New York City mayor signs landmark law banning weight discrimination

26 May 2023 , 17:49

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Mayor Eric Adams on Friday signed into law a ban on discrimination in New York City based on a person’s weight. (Image: Getty Images)

The New York City Mayor signed into law a ban on discrimination based on a person's weight on Friday.

The legislation adds weight to the list of characteristics protected from discrimination, joining race, gender, age, religion, and sexual orientation. The law will apply to employment, housing, and access to public accommodations.

Eric Adams said: "We should never treat people differently because of their weight," The measure had received approval from the City Council earlier this month, The New York Times reports.

The move reflects a growing national campaign to address weight discrimination, with lawmakers in New Jersey and Massachusetts considering similar measures. Michigan and Washington State already prohibit it, as do some cities like Washington, D.C.

New York City aims to set a precedent in the fight against weight bias (Getty Images/Science Photo Library RF)

New Yorkers testified at a City Council hearing earlier this year about being discriminated against because of their weight.

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"Desks in classrooms were too small for her," a student at New York University said. Someone else shared her experience of facing body shaming and pressure to develop an eating disorder.

However, some business leaders and Republicans expressed concerns about the bill given the increased onus on businesses and the judicial system to uphold it

In the United States, obesity rates have risen over the last two decades, with more than 40 per cent of American adults considered obese.

The move comes in response to a growing national campaign against weight discrimination, with other states considering similar measures. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

The body acceptance movement and self-described fat activists have sought to reduce bias and shame around weight. Podcasts like "Maintenance Phase" have spread awareness that not all overweight people are unhealthy and that diets often fail.

Tigress Osborn, chair of the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance, a nonprofit advocacy group, expressed hope that other cities would approve similar laws to send the message that size discrimination was a "serious injustice."

Lucy Williamson