So the NY Senate is planning to approve 8 bills on the subject of women’s rights.
They’re all pretty long overdue, but at least they’re on the lineup. The bills would outlaw certain varieties of employment discrimination, require workplace accommodations for pregnant women, allow for sexual harassment complaints at places with fewer than four employees (um, why is this even a question?), ensure equal pay across the gender divide, disallow housing discrimination against victims of domestic violence, increase the penalty for human tracking, and authorize electronic filing for orders of protection. You know: All the things that women need that should already be in legal effect.
The bill is obviously a pretty big deal, particularly because of how Republicans control the state senate and have struck down similar bills in the past. One that still not going to make it through in this round?
A measure that would codify abortion rights (the Democratic Assembly, to their credit, are fully out and proud in their support). We’re hoping this one doesn’t get lost in the fray, since it’s PRETTY IMPORTANT. But for now, we’ll take the eight that are making it through.
Image via Brennan Center For Justice
