* Support Bill to End Discrimination Based on Height and Weight *
The Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is considering a bill, sponsored by Byron Rushing, which would make it illegal for employers to discriminate based on height and weight. Jurisdictions in the United States routinely protect citizens from discrimination based on race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, and sexual orientation. Yet is it perfectly legal to deny employment, promotion or raises based on a person's height. That discrimination is real. Research shows that short people lose about $800/year per inch of height
Only one other state, Michigan, makes it illegal to discriminate based on person's height or weight. These protections were added to their discrimination laws in 1979. Since then we have seen very little progress. The only other governments that have similar protections are the cities of San Francisco and Santa Cruz.
Now there is an opportunity to correct these injustices but action is required. If you are a resident of Massachusetts, please contact your State Senator and District Representative and ask that they support this bill.
*Current Status* - Representative Rushing has reintroduced the bill as H.539. Contact Representative Rushing and express your support for this important legislation by clicking here. Latest updates click here.
Nevada Bill - AB 90
Prohibiting employers from subjecting employees to abusive conduct in a work environment. Introduced by Assemblyman Tick Segerblom.
*Current Status* April 16, 2011 - Pursuant to Joint Standing Rule No. 14.3.1, no further action allowed. Contact Assemblyman Tick Sergerblom and express your support for this important legislation here.
NOSSA is opposed to Florida HB 4063 introduced by Florida State Representative Ritch Workman (R-Melbourne,FL) - An act to legalize "dwarf tossing" in the State of Florida. Contact Florida Representatives here.
*Current Status* -Now in Business & Consumer Affairs Subcommittee on Monday, October 17, 2011 6:27 PM
In late 1997, the public became aware that airbag deployments could seriously hurt or kill children and short adults.
Visit the Airbag Safety section of the ShortSupport.org website for the latest information by clicking here.
Short Rage: An Autobiographical Look at Heightism in America (Paperback) by Dr. Deborah Burris-Kitchen (NOSSA Vice-President). ISBN-10- 1564744035 & ISBN-13 - 978-1564744036. Purchase through Amazon by clicking here.
Beyond Measure: A memoir about short stature and inner growth (Pearlsong Press) by Ellen Frankel LCSW is available now. Pick up a copy of the book at http://www.pearlsong.com or call 1-866-4-A-PEARL. This book comes highly recommended by NOSSA. The ISBN number of the book is 978-1-59719-005-3. You can also pick up a copy at Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble. Visit Ellen's website for more information at: http://www.beyondmeasureamemoir.com/
