The bill amends the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination to enhance protections for immigrants and non-U.S. citizens by explicitly prohibiting discrimination based on immigration status and citizenship status, in addition to existing protected categories such as race, creed, and national origin. Key insertions include the addition of "immigration status" and "citizenship status" as protected categories, while the term "aliens" is replaced with "immigrants" to promote inclusive language. The bill also emphasizes the detrimental impact of discrimination on individuals and the state's democratic foundations, and it modifies existing definitions to broaden the scope of protections against discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations.

Additionally, the bill outlines specific unlawful practices related to discrimination, such as prohibiting inquiries about a person's immigration status and ensuring that housing providers cannot disclose this information unless required by law. It mandates reasonable accommodations for employees affected by pregnancy or breastfeeding and reinforces that employers must not treat these employees less favorably than others. The bill aims to create a more inclusive environment by expanding the definitions of protected characteristics and enhancing the authority of the Division on Civil Rights to enforce these provisions, ultimately promoting equality and fairness across various sectors in New Jersey.

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