September 28, 2006

GOVERNOR SIGNS HOUSING NON-DISCRIMINATION MEASURE INTO LAW

Bill Strengthens Housing Protections to Include all Californians
                                                                      
Sacramento, CA- Today Governor Schwarzenegger signed AB 2800, the Civil Rights Housing Act of 2006, authored by Assemblymember John Laird (D-Santa Cruz) and co-sponsored by Equality California (EQCA) and the California Conference of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

The measure standardizes various California housing laws to specifically state that discrimination is prohibited based on race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, sex (including gender identity), marital status, sexual orientation, familial status and source of income.

"This bill significantly improves housing protections in California, while also affirming our state's role as the national leader in civil rights protections," said Assemblymember Laird.

"The Legislature once again took a strong stand against discrimination in all its forms by passing this bill," said Geoff Kors, EQCA executive director. "We appreciate the governor recognizing that our housing laws should be clear, consistent and protective of all Californians."

"The state NAACP applauds the governor for signing AB 2800," said Alice Huffman, President of the State Conference of the NAACP. "This bill will help to eradicate housing discrimination in our state."

AB 2800 is the third in a series of bills authored by Assemblymember Laird and sponsored by EQCA to address nondiscrimination. Other bills, AB 2900 in 2004 and AB 1400 in 2005, focused on nondiscrimination in the areas of employment and public accommodations. Both bills were signed into law by the governor.