Proposed NY law aims to protect models from harassment

A New York lawmaker wants to amend the state's anti-discrimination laws to protect models from sexual harassment.

The New York Times reports that the proposal by Democratic Assemblywoman Nily Rozic (NEE'-lee ROH'-zihk) of Queens would make designers, photographers, retailers and others liable for abuses experienced on their watch.

Many New York models have limited legal protections because they're classified as independent contractors.

The issue was brought to Rozic's attention several months ago by the founder of a group called the Model Alliance. It gained prominence as the Harvey Weinstein scandal prompted women from all backgrounds to describe their own experiences.

Numerous models say they've been subjected to lurid behavior, sometimes while in their teens.

Among other things, the proposal would explicitly forbid sexual advances and commentary linked to models' employment.

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Information from: The New York Times, http://www.nytimes.com