The Suffolk County Human Rights Commission investigates complaints about discrimination that have occured in Suffolk County. The Commission enforces various local, state and federal laws that give people equal rights.
These laws include the following:
In January 2015, a new Human Rights law went into effect in Suffolk County that enhances the power of the Human Rights Commission to respond to discrimination. Local Law No. 25-2014, which is very similar to the federal Fair Housing Act and New York State’s Human Rights Law, makes it illegal to discriminate in the sale, purchase, financing, renting or leasing of housing accommodations. It provides an administrative hearing process which can compel the discriminator to cease the discrimination and/or pay civil penalties. Individuals who believe they have been treated unfairly because of their actual or perceived race, creed, color, sex, disability, religion, familial status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, age, or national origin now have the option of filing a complaint directly with the Suffolk County Human Rights Commission, and can proceed to court if not satisfied with the administrative result. The Commission also continues to process complaints alleging discrimination in the areas of EMPLOYMENT and PUBLIC ACCOMMODATION.
Suffolk County Human Rights Law
New York State Human Rights Law
Federal Employment Laws
Americans with Disabilities Act
Title VII of Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Amended 1991)
Age Discrimination in Employment Act
Equal Pay Act
Federal Laws and Questions and Answers
U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (H.U.D.)
Federal Fair Housing Act