GOVERNOR CORZINE
SIGNS LEGISLATION TO ADD
GENDER IDENTITY,
EXPRESSION AS A
PROTECTED CLASS
AGAINST DISCRIMINATION
Office of the
Governor Release, from the Web, December 20, 2006
TRENTON, Dec. 19 -- Governor
Jon S. Corzine today signed legislation that amends the New Jersey Law Against
Discrimination (NJ-LAD) by adding “gender identity or expression” to the list of
protected characteristics.
A characteristic protected under the NJ-LAD is one that cannot lawfully be used
as a basis for employment, housing, public accommodation, and similar decisions.
“The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination is one of the most powerful tools we
have in government to protect our citizens,” said Governor Corzine. “I am
pleased to sign legislation to ensure gender identity or expression is a
protected class against discrimination in New Jersey.”
The legislation (S362) was sponsored by Senators Ellen Karcher and Joseph F.
Vitale, and Assemblymembers Reed Gusciora, John F. McKeon, Bonnie Watson
Coleman, and Joseph Vas.
The legislation takes effect in 180 days.
The Governor also signed legislation (S462) that requires independent
contractors to submit to background checks to work within certain industries.
The bill was sponsored by Senators Stephen M. Sweeney, John H. Adler and Barbara
Buono, and Assemblymembers John J. Burzichelli, Douglas H. Fisher, and Neil M.
Cohen.
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