Non-Discrimination
When EQCA was founded a decade ago, LGBT Californians had few protections and rights under state law. In just 10 years, EQCA has helped the state secure the most comprehensive civil rights protections in the nation while focusing on creating a California that fosters respect, dignity and equality for all LGBT people.
California Law
Most sections of California law prohibit discrimination based on a long list of protected classes, including sexual orientation, gender and gender identity. LGBT Californians are protected from discrimination in securing employment and housing, accessing government services and participating in state-funded activities. LGBT people are also protected under the state’s hate crime law.
Resources
If you believe you have been discriminated against and need legal counsel or services, contact one of EQCA’s coalition partners that provides legal assistance.
EQCA-Sponsored Legislation
Employment and Housing
- Civil Rights Housing Act of 2006
AB 2800 (Laird, 2006)
LGBT Californians receive protections from discrimination in housing.
- Older Californians Equality and Protection Act
AB 2920 (Leno, 2006)
LGBT seniors receive protections from discrimination in state-funded programs, ensuring they receive adequate state services.
- Civil Rights Act of 2005
AB 1400 (Laird, 2005)
LGBT Californians receive protections from discrimination in business establishments.
- Omnibus Labor and Employment Non-Discrimination Act
AB 2900 (Laird, 2004)
LGBT Californians receive protections in labor and employment.
- Gender Nondiscrimination
AB 196 (Leno, 2003)
Californians receive protections from discrimination based on gender non-conformity in employment and housing.
- Fair Employment and Housing Act
AB 1001 (Villaraigosa, 1999)
Californians receive protections from discrimination based on sexual orientation in employment and housing.
State Government
- Civil Rights Act of 2007
AB 14 (Laird, 2007)
LGBT Californians receive protections from discrimination in state-funded programs and activities.
- Nondiscrimination in State Programs and Activities
SB 1441 (Kuehl, 2006)
LGBT Californians protected from discrimination in state-operated and -funded services, activities and programs.
- Code of Fair Campaign Practices
AB 1207 (Yee, 2006)
Protects LGBT Californians from prejudice when political candidates or campaign committees sign a voluntary Fair Campaign Practices pledge.
- Equal Benefits in State Contracting
AB 17 (Kehoe, 2003)
Domestic partners must receive the same benefits as married couples in order for their employer to make a significant contract with the state.
Public Safety
- Juvenile Justice Safety and Protection Act
SB 518 (Migden, 2007)
Protects LGBT youth against discrimination and harassment in the state’s juvenile justice facilities.
- Gwen Araujo Justice for Victims Act
AB 1160 (Lieber, 2006)
Protects LGBT victims of crime and prevents bias from affecting a trial’s outcome by discouraging the use of so-called panic strategies.
- Equality in Prevention and Services for Domestic Abuse Act
AB 2051 (Cohn, 2006)
Provides LGBT victims of violence a variety of services, including support and education.
- Omnibus Hate Crimes Act
SB 1234 (Kuehl, 2004)
Makes the state’s definition of a hate crime consistent throughout law to protect all Californians.
- California Student Safety and Violence Prevention Act
AB 537 (Kuehl, 1999)
Protects LGBT youth from discrimination in publicly-funded educational programs and activities.
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