Governor Herbert H. Lehman, in his annual message to the Legislature yesterday, proposed extension of the law forbidding discrimination in employment for reasons of race, color and creed to businesses affected with the public interest and to labor unions, terming discrimination a “vicious practice.”
The Governor stated: “While not to the extent found elsewhere, discrimination does exist here in the State of New York. Such practice is particularly hateful when it results in denying any one the right to work, to acquire property or to make use of facilities available to the general public. Where people are denied even a single right to which they are lawfully entitled, I believe that it is our common duty to correct the situation. Unjust discrimination is another subject on which there can be no disagreement. Regardless of party, we all look with profound distaste upon distinctions based on race, color or creed.
“The Labor Law forbids utility companies to discriminate in employment. The same is true in the educational system. This sound principle I recommend be extended to all businesses affected with the public interest and also to membership in all labor unions and labor organizations. I urge that the State do everything in its power to eliminate the vicious practice of discrimination. We sorely need to be reminded that principles of democracy are vital, living guides to everyday human conduct.”
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