N.Y. Executive Law Section 291
Equality of opportunity a civil right

1.

The opportunity to obtain employment without discrimination because of age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, military status, sex, marital status, or disability, is hereby recognized as and declared to be a civil right.

2.

The opportunity to obtain education, the use of places of public accommodation and the ownership, use and occupancy of housing accommodations and commercial space without discrimination because of age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, military status, sex, marital status, or disability, as specified in § 296 (Unlawful discriminatory practices)section two hundred ninety-six of this article, is hereby recognized as and declared to be a civil right.

3.

The opportunity to obtain medical treatment of an infant prematurely born alive in the course of an abortion shall be the same as the rights of an infant born spontaneously.

Source: Section 291 — Equality of opportunity a civil right, https://www.­nysenate.­gov/legislation/laws/EXC/291 (updated Mar. 1, 2019; accessed Jan. 17, 2026).

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Verified:
Jan. 17, 2026

Last modified:
Mar. 1, 2019

§ 291. Equal. of opportunity a civil right's source at nysenate​.gov

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