A new bill, introduced by Council Member Shaun Abreu could limit discrimination based on height or weight.

Organizers braved the snowfall and gathered on the steps of City Hall to support NYC Anti-Weight, Discrimination Bill Tuesday morning.

If passed,  Abreu said bill INT 0209  would prohibit discrimination on the basis of a person’s height or weight in opportunities for employment, housing, and access to public accommodations.

“Tens of millions of people are unjustly discriminated against because of their appearance, whether that is because of their height, weight, or hairstyle,”  Abreu said from the podium. “Body shaming denies people necessary, even lifesaving medical treatment contributes to financial inequality, and creates serious mental health challenges.”

The rally was hosted by The Campaign for Size Freedom, a collaboration with Dove, National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance (NAAFA), and the Fat Legal Advocacy, Rights, and Education Project (FLARE Project).

“New York is about to make history, as one of the very few places in the entire world that has legal protections against size discrimination,” said Tigress Osborn, board chair of the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance. “We are thrilled to have the support of Council Member Abreau and all 30 of this bill's co-sponsors to help us pass this bill today.”

The groups aim to end size discrimination by improving legal protections and shifting cultural narratives about body size through education, advocacy, and corporate social responsibility.

“If appearance-based discrimination is left unprotected and unchecked continued adverse consequences within employment, housing will further tear apart the diverse beautiful mosaic of individuals that make this city truly great,” said Shaun Abreu.