Legislation sponsored by Senator Steve Oroho (R-Sussex, Warren, Morris) to ensure that members of the United States Armed Forces are protected against discrimination is now law after it was signed by Governor Chris Christie.

Legislation sponsored by Sen. Steve Oroho to protect veterans from discrimination was signed into law. (Flickr)

“It takes a special kind of person to sign up for military service,” Senator Oroho said. “They put their lives on hold while they go out to serve our country. They deserve to have every chance to succeed once they return to civilian life.”

The bipartisan bill, S-726, also sponsored by Senator Nilsa Cruz-Perez (D-Camden) would extend full protection under the Law Against Discrimination (LAD) to people who have liability for service in the Armed Forces. Under current law, they are listed as a protected class in some cases but not others.

The legislation makes it clear that they are entitled to the same protection under the LAD as other protected classes, including protection against discrimination in employment, public accommodations, housing, land use, lending and association membership.

The bill expands an existing law that requires contractors on state construction projects to guarantee equal employment to Vietnam Veterans to include all veterans.

“The men and women of our armed forces take an oath to protect our country,” Senator Oroho said. “We need to do all we can to protect and provide for them.”