Obesity as a Protected Class: New York City Mayor Says Yes

On Friday, Mayor Eric Adams of New York City signed a bill that designates obesity as a legally protected class, expanding the scope of anti-discrimination laws in the city. The newly enacted legislation ensures that individuals cannot be discriminated against based on their height and weight when it comes to employment opportunities or access to public housing. During the signing ceremony, Mayor Adams expressed his conviction that a person’s height and weight should not be determining factors in their job search, social activities, or housing prospects.