New York’s The Sexual Harassment Orientation Non-Discrimination Act

.oag.state.ny.us/civilrights, Nov 29, 2005

The Sexual Orientation Non-Discrimination Act, typically known by its acronym "SONDA," prohibits discrimination on the basis of actual or perceived sexual orientation in employment, housing, public accommodations, education, credit, and the exercise of civil rights.

SONDA, which was passed by the State Legislature and signed into law by the Governor in late 2002, became effective on January 16, 2003, and protects individuals who are discriminated against on the basis of sexual orientation from that date forward.

SONDA defines sexual orientation as "heterosexuality, homosexuality, bisexuality, or asexuality, whether actual or perceived." Thus, the law affords protection where individuals are targeted either based on their actual sexual orientation, or based on what the discriminator believes their orientation to be.

SONDA also prohibits discrimination and/or harassment on the basis of actual or perceived sexual orientation in the exercise of an individual's civil rights. Civil rights are those rights guaranteed by State law, including the right to vote, to serve on a jury, and to be free from discrimination in the areas:

• In employment; In the admission to and use of places of public accommodation, resort, or amusement; In the admission to and use of educational institutions; In publicly assisted housing; In private housing accommodations and commercial space; and in relation to credit.