The bill amends Section 11 of P.L.1945, c.169 (C.10:5-12) to explicitly define sexual harassment and sexual assault as forms of unlawful discrimination based on sex, thereby strengthening protections under the Law Against Discrimination. This amendment aligns with key Supreme Court decisions and emphasizes that such behaviors are treated similarly to other forms of discrimination, including race and national origin. The bill also outlines the responsibilities of employers and labor organizations in preventing discrimination and reinforces individuals' rights to seek legal recourse for violations, including back pay for discriminatory compensation practices.

Additionally, the bill enhances protections against discrimination in housing and employment based on various characteristics, including sex, gender identity, and familial status. It allows for single-sex occupancy in housing under certain conditions and prohibits discrimination based on lawful income sources, particularly for families with children. The bill mandates reasonable accommodations for employees affected by pregnancy or breastfeeding and addresses wage disparities by ensuring that employees in protected classes are not paid less than their counterparts for similar work unless justified. Overall, the bill aims to create a more equitable environment by clarifying discrimination laws and ensuring compliance with existing legal precedents.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 10:5-12