NAAFA in New York City and What's Next for the Big Apple
Image description: A diverse group of fat people and allies are gathered on the steps of New York City Hall. NYC City Councilmember Shaun Abreu and NAAFA Board Chair Tigress Osborn are in the center, surrounded by NAAFA Board members, members of the local labor movement, and supporters of the Campaign for Size Freedom. Everyone is dressed for cold weather in hats, scarves, and winter coats. Many are holding signs with messages of support for INT 0209 to ban height and weight discrimination in New York. Some are also holding signs representing the local Retail, Warehouse, and Department Store Union (RWDSU).
Photo credit: Jackie Molloy
By Tegan Lecheler, NAAFA Advocacy Chair
On February 28, members of NAAFA headed to New York City where the City Council’s Committee on Civil and Human Rights joined the Committee on State and Federal Legislation to hear bill INT-0209, an act to ban weight and height discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodation. The bill was introduced by Councilmember Shaun Abreu, who is also tackling appearance-based discrimination in the form of a separate bill to prevent bias against people with tattoos.
Before the hearing, NAAFA co-hosted a rally in support of the bill with our labor movement partners, Retail Action Project (RAP) and the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU). The rally was also supported by the Fat Legal Advocacy, Rights, and Education project (FLARE is a project of the Law Offices of Brandie Solovay) and the Campaign for Size Freedom. Despite the first snowstorm of the year hitting the city the night before, New York residents made their way to the steps of City Council complete with homemade signs, buttons, and chants. Many stayed to witness or testify at the hearing.
Before public testimony began, the New York City Commission on Human Rights testified on the position of New York City's Mayoral Administration. Their testimony can either make or break the success of legislation. They focused largely on their plan to implement the policy and educate the public on their rights once it passes, signaling no opposition to the bill.
Image description: Photo of NAAFA supporters, activist/influencer Victoria Abraham, endocrinologist Dr. Gregory Dodell, and body positive advocate Stephanie Lexis seated and testifying in the Council Hearing Room at New York City Hall in support of INT 0209 at the NYCC hearing on 2/28/23.
After the Administration’s testimony, ten members of the public testified in support of the bill, including NAAFA's Board Chair, Tigress Osborn, and District Leader Lydia Green, who also worked with NYC Comptroller Brad Lander on a previous bill to ban height and weight discrimination in New York when he was a City Councilmember. Eight other members of the public testified in favor of INT-0209 in person, and two more testified virtually, including Brandie Solovay from the Fat Legal Advocacy, Rights, and Education project (FLARE is a project of Brandie’s law office). Others submitted written testimony. No one showed up to the hearing to oppose the bill. The testimony was incredibly positive and the council members who attended the hearing voiced great support for INT-0209. Our ally and bill champion, Councilmember Abreu, ended the hearing with the declaration that "in these chambers, we support fat acceptance," which was surreal to hear from a New York City Councilmember.
Now that the committee hearing is over, we are waiting for City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams to add INT-0209 to the full council agenda where the City Council will pass the legislation. (WILL pass, not might pass!) After that, the bill goes to Mayor Eric Adams to be signed into law. Our contacts at the City Council are telling us that Mayor Adams is signaling support for the bill.
Stay tuned for calls to action to support the final steps in turning INT-0209 into law. We’ll need the entire community’s support to pass this historic legislation! We’ll also be asking supporters in the rest of New York, as well as New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Vermont to help us pass laws there. If you haven’t already signed the Campaign for Size Freedom petition, be sure to add your name to the list and we’ll let you know when legislation specific to your area is coming!
Photo of Tegan Lecheler
About the Author
Tegan Lecheler (she/they) is a NAAFA Board Member-at-Large. Tegan is an organizer and policy nerd from Minneapolis, MN. Her work primarily centers around fat and anti-poverty organizing.