Recent amendments to the New York State Human Rights Law provide that an employer who is found to have engaged in an unlawful discriminatory practice may face up to $100,000 in penalties payable to the State of New York in addition to any damages owed to the complaining party. The amendments, which apply to conduct occurring on or after July 6, 2009, were quietly signed into law by Governor David Paterson on April 7, 2009.

The New York State Human Rights Law prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, military status, predisposing genetic characteristics, or domestic violence victim status.1

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