This bill amends the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD) to enhance protections for military personnel and veterans by explicitly including "service in the Armed Forces of the United States or liability for service in the Armed Forces of the United States" as a protected category against discrimination. This addition aligns military service with existing protected categories such as race, creed, color, and sexual orientation, thereby reinforcing the state's commitment to preventing discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations. The bill also clarifies that all individuals have the right to obtain employment and access public services without facing discrimination based on their military service, recognizing this right as a civil right.

In addition to expanding the scope of protected categories, the bill introduces provisions that prohibit employers from denying reemployment to individuals who take military leave, ensuring compliance with the federal Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994. It also mandates that the Division on Civil Rights enforce these protections and outlines the responsibilities of the Attorney General in addressing discrimination complaints. The bill further promotes inclusivity by introducing gender-neutral language and emphasizing that unlawful discrimination must be justified by legitimate interests, thereby creating a more equitable legal framework for all individuals 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, 10:5-12, 10:5-39