Women’s Equality Act is a victory for all women
In an effort to combat the discrimination and societal bias that exists against the women of New York State, Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell (D-Theresa) announced the Women’s Equality Act has passed the Assembly (A.8070). This 10-point agenda, which she sponsored, includes comprehensive reforms that would reinforce women’s health and reproductive rights, increase protections for victims of domestic violence, address pay inequity and end gender based discrimination.
“This historic piece of legislation provides a unique opportunity for us as legislators to make New York a better place for women; each measure is important to promoting fair and just treatment for all New Yorkers, and no parts should be excluded,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “By making each of these issues a priority, it displays the Assembly’s commitment to ensuring equal rights for women – it is time the Senate makes that same commitment.”
Specifically, this 10-point plan achieves the following:
- Protects reproductive rights
- Achieves pay equity
- Prevents sexual harassment in the workplace
- Strengthens human trafficking laws
- Protects domestic violence victims
- Ends housing discrimination for victims of domestic violence
- Ends family status discrimination
- Prevents pregnancy discrimination
- Removes barriers to remedying discrimination
- Stops source-of-income discrimination
“Our laws regarding women's rights needed to be upgraded,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “This legislation has been long overdue and I am proud that we finally passed measures to ensure women can enjoy the rights they deserve. As chair of the Task Force on Women's Issues, I will continue to fight on behalf of all New York women.”
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