Height And Weight Discrimination: San Francisco Ordinance Takes Effect

The proposed San Francisco ordinance protecting applicants and employees from discrimination based on weight and height, which we recently covered, has been formally approved and is now in effect. The law applies to every employer in the city with six or more workers. It also covers all employers—no matter where they’re located—who have contracts with the city, regardless of the dollar value. The ordinance prohibits employers from making decisions about hiring, promotions or firing on the basis of height or weight, and also forbids on-the-job harassment. Violators could face fines and termination of their contracts and be barred from doing business with the city. However, the law does not give employees the right to sue for damages. For more information, contact the San Francisco Human Rights Commission at (415) 252-2500.