New Jersey Signs Bill Including Autism as a Protected Characteristic in the NJ Law Against Discrimination

By Thomas McKinney
Partner

Autistic adults and children will be protected from discrimination.  The bill amends New Jersey’s law against discrimination so that autism disorders are recognized causes of disabilities.

“Autistic residents will now receive the same protections as other disabled citizens from discrimination in access to housing, employment and public accommodations such as theaters, stores and restaurants,” Senator Kean said.

“New Jersey is known for opening doors of opportunity for all its disabled residents,” Senator Kean said. “This bill’s passage shows that legislators of both parties can and do work together to build a more compassionate New Jersey.”

Senator Kean and Democratic Senator Joe Vitale of Woodbridge, chairman of the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee, were co-prime sponsors of the legislation.

About the Author
Tom McKinney is an experienced NJ Employment Lawyer in all major areas of labor and employment law, including discrimination, harassment, overtime violations, wage and hour claims, sexual harassment, wrongful discharge, Title VII, ADA, ADEA, FMLA, LAD, FLSA, and all other employment law claims. Tom is admitted to practice in the States of New Jersey and New York, United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York, Southern District of New York, District of New Jersey, and United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. Prior to forming the firm, Tom practiced at Gibbons P.C. in Newark, NJ. If you have any questions regarding this article, contact Tom here today.