The state of New York has joined California as the second state in the nation to ban race-based hair discrimnation.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) signed the historic piece of legislation on Friday, The Hill reports. The law, S.6209A/A.7797A, amends the state's Human Rights Law and Dignity for All Students Act that will include protections for Black people.

Places of business are now no longer allowed to discriminate against “traits historically associated with race, including but not limited to hair texture and protective hairstyles.”

"For much of our nation's history, people of color — particularly women — have been marginalized and discriminated against simply because of their hairstyle or texture," Governor Cuomo said. "By signing this bill into law, we are taking an important step toward correcting that history and ensuring people of color are protected from all forms of discrimination."

The law is commonly referred to as the CROWN Act (an acronym for Create a Respectful and Open Workplace for Natural Hair). California broke ground earlier this month when Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsome signed the bill into law. With rampant historical racism toward Black hair, the Golden State has paved the way for other states to protect Black citizens.

"Afros, braids, twists, and locks, have a disparate impact on Black individuals as these policies are more likely to deter Black applicants and burden or punish Black employees than any other group," the California CROWN Act read.

Employers will no longer be able to harass Black workers for their natural hair. The New York bill, which became law, was sponsored by State Senator Jamaal Bailey and passed with a Senate majority.

"The way one chooses to wear their hair should be legally protected and supported — and in New York, now it will be," Bailey said in a statement. "I thank Governor Cuomo for supporting and signing this bill that makes New York State a leader when it comes to ending racial discrimination based upon natural hair and hairstyles."

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