In New York City, a contentious bill protecting overweight persons from weight discrimination was passed.
The bill, which is expected to be signed into law this month by Democrat New York City Mayor Eric Adams, would make discrimination based on a person’s ‘height or weight’ in ‘work, housing, and public accommodation’ illegal.
In response to the legislation, Republican New York City Council minority leader Joseph Borelli argued that it would allow people to “sue anyone and everything.”
One of the bill’s primary backers, Councilman Shaun Abreu, said he realised weight discrimination was a’silent burden’ after being treated differently when he gained more than 40 pounds during lockdown.
The initiative was supported by charities and activists, including self-described ‘Fat Fab Feminist’ Victoria Abraham, who testified in support of the proposal to the city council earlier this year.
‘They’re being discriminated against with no remedy, and society says that’s completely great,’ said Councilman Abreu.
Miss Abraham, a civil rights advocate for overweight persons, testified before the municipal council to help shape decisions.
She told ABC7NY, ‘In most locations in the United States, you can get fired for being fat and have no protection at all, which is insane considering this is a very fat society.’
The Bill was widely supported and approved 44-5 in the council on Thursday, although it was met with criticism from some.
‘I’m overweight, but I’m not a victim,’ said Councilman Borelli to the New York Times. Except for my struggling shirt buttons, no one should feel sorry for me.’
