Committee on Disabilities

The New York City Human Rights Law (HRL) prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender, and the Commission on Human Rights has issued legal guidance stating that this includes discrimination against someone for being intersex. This bill would amend the definition of “gender” to clarify that sex characteristics, including intersex traits, are included in the definition.

The New York City Human Rights Law (HRL) prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender, and the Commission on Human Rights has issued legal guidance stating that this includes discrimination against someone for being intersex. This bill would amend the definition of “gender” to clarify that sex characteristics, including intersex traits, are included in the definition.

This bill would require the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), in consultation with the Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) and the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD), to develop guidance and a public education campaign on service animal access in places of public accommodation. The guidance would cover what qualifies as a service animal, how service animals differ from emotional support animals, the obligations of businesses and other public accommodations under the law, and how to file a complaint when someone is denied access. The agencies would also be required to create informational pamphlets for service animal users and for businesses, as well as model signage indicating that service animals are welcome. All materials would be posted online in the designated citywide languages and in accessible formats, and would be reviewed and updated at least once every three years.

This bill would require the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), in consultation with the Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) and the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD), to develop guidance and a public education campaign on service animal access in places of public accommodation. The guidance would cover what qualifies as a service animal, how service animals differ from emotional support animals, the obligations of businesses and other public accommodations under the law, and how to file a complaint when someone is denied access. The agencies would also be required to create informational pamphlets for service animal users and for businesses, as well as model signage indicating that service animals are welcome. All materials would be posted online in the designated citywide languages and in accessible formats, and would be reviewed and updated at least once every three years.