Greenfield Praises Human Rights Commission For Settling Clothing Restriction Lawsuit Against Orthodox Businesses

The Human Rights Commission settled its lawsuit last week against Orthodox Jewish business owners who posted signs in their store windows requiring patrons wear modest attire, spurring praise from Councilman David Greenfield.

The story blew up in October 2013, after the Human Rights Commission filed lawsuits against seven Williamsburg-based businesses owners who hung signs demanding customers wear clothing that adhered to religious based standards, including no low-cut or sleeveless shirts.

Greenfield took up the cause, claiming it was an unfair standard and the dress codes were no different than nightclubs that bar patrons from wearing baggy pants or sneakers.

The commission settled the lawsuit last week, coming to an agreement with the business owners that any signes posted must make it clear that while modest dress is requested, all members of the public are welcome to enter the store.

The agreement brought praise from the councilman, who represents a largely Orthodox Jewish district.

“I am pleased that these small business owners and the Human Rights Commission have come to a reasonable agreement. This was an unfair and unnecessary lawsuit that arbitrarily targeted these businesses while ignoring many others around the city that employ similar dress codes. As I said at the time, this was clearly another example of local government overstepping its authority and unfairly targeting the Orthodox community. I am very relieved that the merchants and the city were able to settle this matter without resorting to a trial,” said Greenfield in a press release.