Legal Document

487 U.S. 1 108 S.Ct. 2225 101 L.Ed.2d NEW YORK STATE CLUB ASSOCIATION, INC., Appellantv.CITY OF et al. No. 86-1836. Argued Feb. 23, 1988. Decided June 20, Syllabus New York City's Human Rights Law forbids discrimination based on race, creed, sex, and other grounds by any "place of public accommodation, resort or amusement," but specifically exempts "any institution, club place accommodation which is in its nature distinctly private." However, a 1984 amendment (Local 63) provides that "institution, accommodation," than benevolent order religious corporation, "shall not be considered private" if it "has more four hundred members, regular meal service regularly receives payment . directly indirectly from behalf nonmembers for the furtherance trade business." Immediately after Local 63 became effective, appellant association filed state-court suit against city some officials, seeking, inter alia, declaration unconstitutional face under First Fourteenth Amendments. The trial court entered judgment upholding Law, intermediate state appellate Court Appeals affirmed. Held: 1. Appellant, nonprofit consisting consortium 125 private clubs associations, has standing to challenge 63's constitutionality this since those members "would otherwise have sue their own right" Hunt v. Washington Apple Advertising Comm'n, 432 333, 343, 97 2434, 2441, 53 303. Appellees' contention appellant's member associations must only themselves, misreads Hunt, simply requires bring same suit. Here, would individual individuals "are suffering immediate threatened injury" associational rights as result Law's enactment. Warth Seldin, 422 490, 511, 95 2197, 2211-2212, 45 343. Pp. 8-10. 2. Appellant's facial Amendment attack cannot prevail. That fail insofar claim invalid all applications. As concedes, antidiscrimination provisions may constitutionally applied at least large covered Roberts United States Jaycees, 468 609, 104 3244, 82 462, Board Directors Rotary Int'l Club, 481 537, 107 1940, 474. In finding comparable size to, smaller than, were protected emphasized participation strangers meetings, factor no significant defining club's nonprivate are requirements provide "regular service" receive nonmember payments "for Similarly, said infringe upon every member's right expressive association, since, absence specific evidence characteristics club, assumed many able effectively advance desired viewpoints without confining membership persons having, example, sex religion. Nor proved overbroad applies "distinctively clubs, there let alone substantial number whom impairs ability associate advocate viewpoints. Thus, administrative judicial opportunities available contest them adequate assure overbreadth will curable through case-by-case analysis facts. 10-15. 3. equal protection exemption deeming orders corporations "distinctly also fail. City Council could reasonably believed exempted organizations different kind crucial respect whether business activity (and therefore minorities women) prevalent among them. Cf. Bryant Zimmerman, 278 63, 49 61, 73 L.Ed. 184. Moreover, law indicates unique thus rational basis exists here. Appellant failed carry considerable burden showing view erroneous issue truly debatable, detailed examination practices, purposes, structures show identical critical 15-18. 69 N.Y.2d 211, 513 N.Y.S.2d 349, 505 N.E.2d 915, WHITE, J., delivered opinion unanimous with Parts I, II, III, an Part IV, REHNQUIST, C.J., BRENNAN, MARSHALL, BLACKMUN, STEVENS, O'CONNOR, KENNEDY, JJ., joined. concurring opinion, joined, post, p. ----. SCALIA, part judgment, Alan Mansfield, City, appellant. Peter L. Zimroth, appellees. Justice WHITE Court. adopted local certain clubs. rejected We sit review judgment. 2 * 1965, prohibits amusement."1 This term defined broadly cover such various places hotels, restaurants, retail stores, hospitals, laundries, theaters, parks, conveyances, halls, addition numerous listed. N.Y.C. Admin.Code § 8-102(9) (1986). Yet coverage educational facilities proves Ibid. soon Federal Government civil legislation bar Civil Act 1964, Title 78 Stat. 243, 42 U.S.C. 2000a(e). 3 1984, amended Law. basic purpose prohibit determined sufficiently "public" they do fit properly within stated greater length: 4 "It hereby found declared compelling interest providing citizens environment where persons, regardless color, national origin fair opportunity participate professional life city, unfettered availing themselves employment opportunities. Although federal laws been enacted eliminate employment, women minority group attained professions. One barrier advancement discriminatory practices deals often made personal contacts valuable formed. While avowedly organized social, cultural, civic while perform services community, commercial activities occurring therein prejudicial impact these business, ignored." 1, App. 14-15. 5 For reasons, "the opportunity" outweighs asserted members." It cautioned, however, did "to interfere subject operations scrutiny beyond what necessary good faith enforce human law," amendments intended attempt dictate manner conduct select except ensure automatically exclude consideration enjoyment accommodations advantages privileges membership, account invidious discrimination." 6 change wrought extend [that] dues, fees, use space, facilities, services, meals beverages N.Y.C.Admin.Code Any Nonetheless, deemed "a corporation incorporated described formed state, education law." explained drafted way so meet problem confronting city's world: "Because small identified testimony before prevalent, apply organizations." 15. 7 State Club Association officers court, seeking Amendments requesting defendants enjoined enforcing it. On cross-motions summary upheld challenges, including constitutional challenges. affirmed appeal; one judge dissented, concluding violates Equal Protection Clause because fails accord similarly situated persons. 118 App.Div.2d 392, 152 8 appealed decision Appeals, opinion. 915 (1987). relying heavily decisions 462 (1984), 474 ruled infringement amply justified eliminating minorities. addition, employs restrictive means achieve ends interferes policies extent N.Y.2d, 223, N.Y.S.2d, 355, N.E.2d, 921. denied relief discussing 9 noted probable jurisdiction, 484 812, 62, 98 26 (1987), we now affirm below, constitutionality. II 10 initial question case Court.2 hold does. 11 essentially consists York, located City. 383 (1977), held "when (a) right; (b) interests seeks protect germane organization's purpose; (c) neither nor requested lawsuit." See Automobile Workers Brock, 477 274, 106 2523, 91 228 Appellees focus first test; read requirement association's meaning anyone else, members. 12 reading incorrect. Under when does matter determine suit, test weed out plaintiffs who try cases, brought, manufacturing allegations lack real foundation. long 63.3 regard, sufficient note 343 (1975); see 10, 32, 34-35, 38.4 Thus us. III 13 authorizes Commission aggrieved initiate complaint amusement" alleged discriminated violation 8-109(1) investigates determines cause find violation. When found, settle conciliatory measures, possible; settled, schedules hearing defending party present answer charges After concluded, states findings fact either dismisses issues cease-and-desist order. 8-109(2). person entitled seek order, enforcement proceedings. 8-110. 14 None procedures come into play case, brought challenging proceedings initiated associations. challenges sometimes permissible entertained, especially speech stake, prevail plaintiff demonstrate challenged "could never valid manner" even though validly others, nevertheless broad "may inhibit third parties." Los Angeles Taxpayers Vincent, 466 789, 798, 2118, 2125, 80 772 (1984). Properly understood, latter exception ordinary requirements, recognition free expression inhibited almost easily potential power actual exercise power. Thornhill Alabama, 310 88, 97-98, 60 736, 741-742, 84 1093 (1940). Both exceptions, narrow ones: succeed unless finds "every application statute created impermissible risk suppression ideas," supra, U.S., n. 15, S.Ct., 2125 second "substantially" overbroad, realistic danger itself significantly compromise recognized protections parties Court." 801, 2126. 15 unpersuaded make two distinct conceded oral argument, understandably think, certainly Court's Roberts. Tr. Oral Arg. 11-12. contain 400 They chapters Jaycees Roberts, considerably larger unprotected Rotary, included few 20 621, 3251; 546, 1946. Village Belle Terre Boraas, 416 7-8, 94 1536, 1540, 39 797 (1974). "directly pinpointing "commercial" nature, "where formed." 16 These role existence, Rotary. 547, well amount intimate occurs setting, true restaurants afford entity whole immunity practice government barred doing so. Hishon King & Spalding, 467 69, 78, 2229, 2235, 81 59 despite presence characteristics, surely infringes each 17 about association. combine others one's views powerful practical ensuring perpetuation freedoms guaranteed government. "Effective advocacy both points view, particularly controversial ones, undeniably enhanced once remarking close nexus between assembly." NAACP Alabama ex rel. Patterson, 357 449, 460, 1163, 1171, 1488 (1958). say, setting choosing associates, selective process inclusion exclusion Constitution. Hishon, 2235; Norwood Harrison, 413 455, 470, 93 2804, 2813, 37 723 (1973); Railway Mail Assn. Corsi, 326 93-94, 65 1483, 1487, 89 2072 (1945). 18 face, affect "in way" form 548, 1947. require abandon alter" Amendment. If share wish promote, erects obstacle end. Instead, merely prevents using specified shorthand measures considers legitimate criteria determining membership. conceivable, course, might purposes nearly confine us, seems sensible enough believe kind. hardly record contains 19 applications insists, reach face. But indicated, falls short. doctrine "strong medicine" used "sparingly last resort." Broadrick Oklahoma, 601, 613, 2908, 2916, 830 (1973). A "substantially overbroad." Id., 615, 2918. To challenge, text instances exist constitutionally. impair together No was respect, informed particular hence conclude threatens undermine substantially assume "whatever should cured situations sanctions, assertedly, applied." 615-616, 2918.5 21 claims, "irrebuttable" presumption contends permitted raise 547-548, 6, 1947, 6. Even correct interpretation says—and below suggest contrary view6—it our analysis. empowered consider operates, accepted legal principles quite unusual construe statutory mandate light principles." Ohio Comm'n Dayton Christian Schools, 619, 629, 2718, 2724, 512 And true, nothing purports preclude claims raised appeal 8-110 (1986); 2724. IV 22 corporations, deems Clause.7 Since, just discussed, demonstrated affects fundamental heightened apply. Lyng Workers, 485 360, 365, 366, 1184, ---- - ----, 99 380 (1988); record, relevant respects 23 written, legislative classification manifestly reasoned support. limited excluded orders, "have prevalent." explanation echoes logic 184 (1928), having file documents most N.Y.Civ.Rights (McKinney 1976). violated Clause, distinction judged pose dangers groups required documents. Bryant, 73-77, 65-66. over century, extended special treatment continues treated separate body legislation. N.Y.Ben.Ord.Law §§ 1-14 1951 Supp.1988); N.Y.Relig.Corp.Law 1-437 1952 Supp.1988). plausible differ 63. Appellate Division pointed out, " 'solely benefit [their] beneficiaries,' organizations. App.Div.2d, 394, 154, quoting N.Y.Ins.Law 4501(a) 1985). 'created purposes' "patently engaged non-members." 394-395, 1952). 24 contends, restrictions. Because "is direction alike," Cleburne Living Center, Inc., 473 432, 439, 105 3249, 3254, 87 313 (1985), Clause. 25 support observes appellees offered position actually Legislative classifications, presumed constitutional, party, statute: "those convince facts apparently conceived governmental decisionmaker." Vance Bradley, 440 93, 111, 939, 949, 171 (1979). this, can submitting reasonable fact, nonetheless one. Carolene Products Co., 304 144, 58 778, 784, 1234 (1938). Council's exempting reflects kind, them, whose carry. There indicate provisions. Without showing, founder. 27 below. 28 So ordered. 29 KENNEDY joins, concurring. 30 I agree conclusion write separately undermines denigrates importance stake. 31 reaffirms "power pursue profoundly important goal nondiscriminatory access society." 632, 3257, (1984) (O'CONNOR, judgment). cases recognize "association's control membership," acknowledging, strength varies organization. 635, 3259. Balancing calls sensitive tools. interpreted, device. 32 identifies three factors applying laws. notes, ante, suggested exclusive, along considerations 'size, purpose, policies, selectivity, congeniality, characteristics.' 222, 354-355, 920-921 (1987) (quoting 620, 3251). Power Squadrons Appeal Bd., 401, 412-413, 465 871, 876, 452 1199, 1204 (1983). An qualify protection, University 842 F.2d 37, 41 (CA2 1988) (noting ones new definition [a club]"). provided applied. ibid. 33 diverse fall yet deserving protection. still relatively takes precedence. undermined unable religion, ethnic background, common bond. respected. 34 11—12, 13-14, indeed, conceded, 11-12, existence mean Predominately anti-discrimination triggered law. organizations, 35 36 concur Court, join assumes analysis, hold, purposes. With discussed mere unique," 16, suffices establish exemption. forgiving rational-basis is, go far. connection 38 urges, technically refers, characteristic possessed "benevolent order" being listed legislature 2.* listed—or am familiar with—share called lodges fraternal include, American Legion, Jewish War Veterans States, Catholic Veterans, Disabled AMVETS, Foreign Wars, Masons, Independent Order Odd Fellows, Loyal Moose, Knights Columbus, Improved Benevolent Protective Elks World, Nobles Mystic Shrine, Ancient Hibernians, Malta. had heard orders" "places prevalent," think meant sort. lodge type future content perfect, See, e.g., 108, 948, refer identifying category composed entirely associations; contribute addressing. likely men dine clients business. introduced contrary. 1965) makes "an unlawful person, owner, lessee, proprietor, manager, superintendent, agent employee amusement, indirectly, refuse, withhold deny accommodations, advantages, thereof, or, publish, circulate, issue, display, post mail written printed communication, notice advertisement, effect shall refused, withheld patronage custom thereat belonging purporting origin, unwelcome, objectionable acceptable, solicited." 8-107(2) qualified physically mentally handicapped," 8-108, "individuals perceived sexual orientation," 8-108.1. validity courts addressed appeal. independent determination limitations Article Constitution imposes jurisdiction binding courts. Pennell San Jose, 8, 849, (1988). left procedural advisory opinions matters satisfy stringent "case" "controversy" presented resolution. Const., Art. Accordingly, dismissed appeared complaining lacked law's Tileston Ullman, 318 44, 493, 603 (1943) (per curiam ); Braxton County West Virginia Tax Comm'rs, 208 192, 275, 52 450 (1908). statement "[b]y exercising exercised Court," perhaps applicable actions declaratory relief. Poe 367 497, 506, 1752, 1758, 989 (1961) (plurality opinion). argument contrary, footnote unavailing. International, thousands Clubs, association." 545, 4, 1945, suing passage inapposite situation foregoing injury parts test, clearly met case. Here purpose: certificate incorporation promote [member clubs]." 38. complete identity proof context." 344, 2442, (1977). 287-288, 2531-2532, making inquiry State's "compelling interest" combating discrimination. 549, 1948. exclusive conjunction characteristics. N.Y.S., 920-921, citing address affirming Division. 17, relies Division's ' "solely beneficiaries." thought law, honor plain me interpreting section misciting another. language quoted (with appropriate citation) provision dealing "fraternal societies." different, although organization both. 4501, 4502. event, possess beneficiaries," distinguish All seemingly description, establishes 1965),

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