This bill amends the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD) to enhance protections for military service members and veterans by explicitly prohibiting discrimination based on "service in the Armed Forces of the United States or liability for service in the Armed Forces of the United States." It adds this category to existing protections against discrimination based on race, creed, color, and sexual orientation, among others. The bill also ensures that individuals have equal opportunities in employment and access to public accommodations, recognizing these rights as civil rights. It aims to provide comprehensive legal remedies for those affected by discrimination, reinforcing the state's commitment to civil rights and equality for military personnel.

In addition to expanding protections, the bill introduces gender-neutral language throughout the LAD and clarifies that only unlawful discrimination is prohibited, emphasizing that not all discriminatory practices are covered if they can be justified by legitimate interests. It mandates that employers cannot deny reemployment to employees who take military leave, aligning with federal regulations. The bill also outlines the responsibilities of the Attorney General in administering the Division on Civil Rights and promotes educational programs to eliminate prejudice, ultimately creating a more inclusive legal framework that recognizes and protects the rights of individuals across various dimensions of identity and experience, particularly concerning military service.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 10:5-3, 10:5-4, 10:5-5, 10:5-6, 10:5-8, 10:5-9.1, 10:5-12, 10:5-39