Cuomo Sees Women's Rights Victory After Abortion Bill Battle
ALBANY, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Governor Andrew Cuomo has signed several pieces of legislation intended to strengthen laws on sexual harassment, domestic violence, sex trafficking and gender discrimination when it comes to pay and pregnancy.
The new legislation requires companies to provide reasonable accommodations for pregnant workers and expands bans on sexual harassment in the workplace to include businesses of all sizes.
Workplace discrimination on employees with children was also banned, harsher penalties for sex trafficking were introduced, and anti-discrimination measures were put in place for domestic abuse victims seeking housing opportunities.
Cuomo, who signed the bills on Wednesday, says they reflect New York's long commitment to ensuring equality and opportunity for all.
The laws were first introduced in 2013 as part of a 10-part package of bills intended to strengthen women's rights. The proposal received considerable push back over one provision concerning late-term abortion regulations -- which Cuomo insisted was critical to the package.
The late-term abortion bill still remains in legislative limbo.
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