Sponsored by:
Assemblyman GORDON M. JOHNSON
District 37 (Bergen)
SYNOPSIS
Amends “Law Against Discrimination” to include crime victims as protected status.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
An Act concerning victims of crime and amending P.L.1945, c.169.
Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. Section 4 of P.L.1945, c.169 (C.10:5-4) is amended to read as follows:
4. All persons shall have the opportunity to obtain employment, and to obtain all the accommodations, advantages, facilities, and privileges of any place of public accommodation, publicly assisted housing accommodation, and other real property without discrimination because of race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, familial status, disability, nationality, sex, gender identity or expression [or], source of lawful income used for rental or mortgage payments, or crime victim status subject only to conditions and limitations applicable alike to all persons. This opportunity is recognized as and declared to be a civil right.
(cf: P.L.2006, c.100, s.3)
2. This act shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This bill adds crime victims as a protected status under this State’s “Law Against Discrimination.”
Discrimination in the workplace and in public and private housing has become an additional burden crime victims bear as a result of their victimization. Victims of homicide, sexual offenses, and domestic violence who are required to cooperate with law enforcement in prosecuting the defendant often experience adverse employment treatment, including termination. Victims also are subjected to eviction when a landlord discovers they have been involved in a violent crime.
According to the sponsor, this State’s strong public policy protecting victims of crime will be further strengthened by including victims as a protected status in the Law Against Discrimination.”