A Practice Note discussing protected characteristics under the New York State Human Rights Law (NYSHRL) including age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, military status, sex, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, familial status, marital status, status as a victim of domestic violence, arrest records and criminal convictions, and citizenship and immigration status. This Note addresses coverage of private employers and is based on New York law.