Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn) praised Mayor de Blasio, NYC Commission on Human Rights and NYC Parks and Recreation for announcing a citywide decision to continue separate gender swimming programs at certain NYC public pools.

The announcement to keep separate swimming schedules comes after pool officials at Metropolitan Pool in Williamsburg notified several women that the program would be discontinued. Dozens of women from the community then turned to Assemblyman Dov Hikind, who criticized NYC for not being more “culturally sensitive and respecting of others,” noting that the program had been in place for decades.

“I’m so proud that NYC is making separate swimming accommodations kosher not just for the Hassidic community, but for all women,” Assemblyman Hikind said, who was also joined by Councilman Stephen Levin, Assemblyman Joseph Lentol and a representative of Rabbi Niederman, President of United Jewish Organizations of Williamsburg. “The fact that the Commission on Human Rights is formally recognizing separate swimming hours is unprecedented. It’s historic. I’m thrilled to thank Mayor de Blasio and the Commission for continuing to accommodate and properly respect those differences.”

Hikind added, “There are hundreds of people regardless of race, religion or creed that feel more comfortable swimming separately from the opposite gender. By respecting everyone’s differences, NYC sends an unequivocal message encouraging and promoting citywide cultural diversity.”

“Today’s decision will enable many women, especially elderly, of all faiths and backgrounds, including Orthodox Jews and Muslims, who want this privacy for many reasons, to continue having their recreation and therapeutic swimming which is so important for their health and well-being,” said Rabbi David Niederman, President of the UJO of Williamsburg and North Brooklyn per a statement. “We thank Mayor Bill de Blasio, and his Human Rights Commission for this right and fair decision, reaffirming our foundational principal that we all are created equal, and endowed by the Creator with certain unalienable Rights. We are especially thankful to Assemblyman Dov Hikind, for leading the fight to defend the rights of these women.”

Added Hikind: “There are hundreds of people regardless of race, religion or creed that feel more comfortable with same-sex swimming. By respecting everyone’s differences, NYC sends an unequivocal message encouraging and promoting citywide cultural diversity.”

(YWN Desk – NYC)