“Today’s passage of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act in the Senate is an historic moment for equal rights in our nation. I applaud New York Senator Charles Schumer and New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand for their leadership on this issue. No one should face discrimination in the work place because of who they are, or who they love, and ENDA is a critical piece of legislation that will ensure equal treatment for all citizens.
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Legislation raises minimum legal sales age of tobacco products from 18 to 21 and strengthens tobacco enforcement
Marking one year since Hurricane Sandy, the Council will pass legislation to ensure that the five boroughs will be better protected against future storms
New York, NY- Today, the City Council will vote on legislation to raise the minimum legal sales age of cigarettes, certain tobacco products and electronic cigarettes from 18 to 21.
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Legislation will ensure that the system is fair, consistent, transparent and accountable
Council will also vote on several land use proposals, including those in Willets Point, the Upper East Side and Long Island City
New York, NY- Today, the City Council will vote on a legislative package to reform the City’s restaurant inspection system. Despite its good intentions, the grading system has become overly punitive and has increased the regulatory and financial burdens on restaurants.
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“Today’s court ruling declaring the State of New Jersey can no longer deprive same-sex couples the right to marry is a victory for civil rights across America. I applaud Judge Mary Jacobson for sending a clear message to the nation – that no one should be denied the security and benefits of marriage because of who they are, or who they love.
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“Though New York City has done much to assist families displaced by Hurricane Sandy, hundreds of New Yorkers still remain sheltered in hotels, awaiting repairs to their homes or seeking affordable apartments with rental vouchers that only recently became available.
Despite the Court’s decision to lift the injunction that prevented the Department of Homeless Services from removing people from hotels, we urge FEMA to continue funding, and the Administration to continue managing the hotel program until those most affected by Sandy can put their lives back together.
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Legislation would require employers to provide reasonable accommodations to employees who are pregnant or have a medical condition related to pregnancy or childbirth
Council will also vote on legislation to make city stronger and more resilient against storms like Sandy
New York, NY- Today, the City Council will vote to amend the City’s Human Rights Law to prohibit pregnancy discrimination in the work place.
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“I am extremely encouraged by statements made by Pope Francis about the Catholic Church’s relationship with women and LGBT people. Pope Francis has shown great courage by breaking with archaic attitudes that completely exclude women and harshly condemn LGBT people. While there is still much progress to be made, including granting women equal footing in the Church and recognizing all people’s right to marry, Pope Francis has presented the opportunity for a historic new level of openness in the Church.
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“We are pleased with Judge Scheindlin’s decision to deny the City’s request for a stay in the litigations concerning the NYPD’s stop and frisk tactics. As the Court noted from the declarations submitted by the Council and other public officials in opposition to the City’s motion, a stay would not be in the public interest, which is in ending the practice of unconstitutional stops.
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Legislation will bring about the reforms necessary to restore the public’s trust in an office that is an essential part of the criminal justice process
Council will also vote to require a two-year pilot for the collection and composting of organic waste
New York, NY- Today, the City Council will vote on legislation to make the City’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) more accountable and transparent – reforms that are necessary for restoring the public’s confidence in an office that is a vital part of the criminal justice process.
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FoodWorks initiative has proven successful in creating more jobs, improving public health and protecting the environment
New York, NY– Today, City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn unveiled a report showing significant improvements to the city’s food system with the help of FoodWorks – a comprehensive plan that sets forth a vision for a more sustainable food system. The report provides updates on the Speaker’s plan, which made recommendations in the areas of agriculture, processing, distribution, consumption and post-consumption.
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