New York has passed a pivotal law prohibiting employers from discriminating against an employee for their refusal to (i) attend an employer-sponsored meeting with the employer, the primary purpose of which is to communicate the employer’s opinion concerning religious or political matters; or (ii) listen to speech or view communications, the primary purpose of which is to communicate the employer’s opinion concerning religious or political matters.
This legislation clarifies the definitions of:
- “Political matters” as “matters relating to elections for political office, political parties, legislation, regulation and the decision to join or support any political party or political, civic, community, fraternal or labor organization.”
- “Religious matters” as “matters relating to religious affiliation and practice and the decision to join or support any religious organization or association.”
This law is effective immediately.
