Two of the state senators representing portions of St. Lawrence County are praising the recently passed Women’s Equality Agenda.

It entails eight pieces of legislation aimed at

• Ensuring equal pay: This legislation would ensure women receive equal pay for equal work by prohibiting employers from paying employees different amounts based on gender.

• Combat sexual harassment: This measure would help to ensure all employees are protected from sexual harassment by applying existing protections to businesses of all sizes.

• Removing barriers to remedying discrimination: This legislation would allow for reasonable attorney’s fees in employment and credit discrimination cases when sex is a basis of discrimination.

• Stopping discrimination based on family status: Employers would be prohibited from denying work or promotions based on family status, such as parents and women who are pregnant.

• Prohibit housing discrimination against victims of domestic violence.

• Allowing electric filing for orders of protection. In addition, the legislation also requires the Office of Court Administration to review and update their services and policies for all crime victims in the courts.

• The Trafficking Victims Protection and Justice Act: Prevents the exploitation of children and adults who are victims of human trafficking and would also toughen penalties against those who buy and sell young women, men and children.

• Stopping pregnancy discrimination in the workplace: Employers would be required to provide reasonable accommodations to employees with pregnancy-related medical conditions.

The bills now go to the Assembly.

“In Governor Cuomo’s 2013 State of the State address, he challenged us to reject institutional and cultural norms and make New York a leader in creating equality for women,” said Sen. Joe Griffo, R-Rome. “I’m tremendously proud that me and my Senate colleagues have now met this challenge for each of the last the years.”

“In every corner of our state and across our nation, women are breaking glass ceilings and reaching new heights. However, we cannot turn a blind eye to the things that often hold them down, namely the discrimination, harassment and abuse that often happen in the workplace and in our society at large,” said Senator Pattie Ritchie, R-Heuvelton.

Griffo represents the 47th Senate District. It comprises a swath running through the middle of St. Lawrence County, from Massena to Fine, including Potsdam. It extends into Lewis and Oneida counties.

Ritchie represents the 48th Senate District. It includes all of the northern edge of St. Lawrence County from Massena to Hammond, including Ogdensburg, Canton and Gouverneur. It extends into Jefferson and Oswego counties.