New York State Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. (I, D, WF-Sag Harbor) announced that a number of important women’s equality bills were signed into law this week, marking significant progress in the Assembly’s longstanding efforts to strengthen women’s rights.

“The march toward full women’s equality in New York State took a big step forward today,” Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. said. “While there is certainly more work to be done, it is important to recognize the real improvements contained in the laws enacted today. In addition to cracking down on human trafficking and helping domestic violence victims, the structural workplace discrimination that saps women’s economic potential will be curbed under these laws.”

Several of the new laws address women’s rights in the workplace, including ensuring equal pay for equal work. Employees are also now protected from retaliation for sharing wage information, making it easier for women to find out whether they are being paid fairly (A.6075). And when certain discrimination does occur, successful plaintiffs may now recoup attorney fees (A.7189).

Further, all employees are now protected against sexual harassment, even those at very small companies that were once exempt (A.5360). Employers must also provide reasonable accommodations for pregnant employees who may need adjustments in their work schedules or job duties due to their pregnancy (A.4272). In addition, employers can no longer discriminate based on an employee’s family status (A.7317).

Unfortunately, women are disproportionately affected by domestic violence and acutely harmed by human trafficking. It is crucial to address these disturbing crimes as we work toward equality, Thiele noted. A new law will now protect individuals from being discriminated against or evicted from their homes based on their status as victims of domestic violence and allow survivors of domestic violence to electronically request temporary orders of protection without needing to appear in court and face their abusers (A.6354-B; A.6262). The laws also bolster the state’s existing human trafficking measures, increasing penalties for perpetrators, providing training for law enforcement and empowering victims to sue for damages (A.506).

Assemblymember Thiele noted that while women’s rights are being furthered under these laws, there is still more work to do, including enacting legislation that would codify Roe v. Wade into law and protect a woman’s constitutional right to choose (A.6221).

“Whether at home or at work, women have historically faced unfair barriers to success, economic security and even safety,” said Assemblyman Thiele. “These new laws represent progress in making full women’s equality a reality. The fight continues on.”