CA LEGISLATURE PASSES BILL TO ENHANCE DISCRIMINATION-FREE BUSINESS PROTECTIONS FOR THE LGB

EQUALITY CALIFORNIA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AUGUST 29, 2005

Contact: Eddie Gutiérrez, Director of Communications
Phone: (323) 217-8875 Email: eddie [at] eqca.org

Contact: Bill Maxfield, Director of Communications
Phone: (831) 596-0910 Email: bill.maxfield [at] asm.ca.gov

Sacramento, CA -- Today, the California Legislature passed its second pro-LGBT civil
rights bill of the year, which will now head to the Governor's desk for his
signature. This bill strengthens current law to protect the lesbian, gay, bisexual
and transgender community against discriminatory business practices. The Assembly
voted overwhelmingly 47-29 to pass Assembly Bill (AB) 1400, the Civil Rights Act of
2005, authored by Assemblymember John Laird (D-Santa Cruz) and sponsored by Equality
California. AB 1400 builds upon the Unruh Civil Rights Act (Unruh Act) and related
provisions to clarify and reinforce that all businesses that provide services,
goods, or accommodations to the public cannot discriminate based on sexual
orientation, gender identity or marital status. Governor Schwarzenegger has 12 days
to sign the bill into law, once it reaches his desk.

"The California Legislature made the right decision to make significant improvements
to a significant civil rights law, the Unruh Act, making clear for businesses and
customers that discrimination in any form is unacceptable," said Assemblymember John
Laird. "With Governor Schwarzenegger's signature, we will strengthen for all
Californians the Unruh Act-the centerpiece of non-discrimination protections in
public accommodations."

"The California legislature has once again demonstrated its commitment to true
equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Californians," said Executive
Director Geoffrey Kors of Equality California. "By adding sexual orientation,
gender identity and marital status, California will continue to be at the forefront
of ensuring equality for all."

Businesses subject to the Unruh Act include, but are not limited to, shopping
centers, mobile home parks, bars and restaurants, schools, medical and dental
offices, hotels and motels, and condominium homeowners' associations. The Unruh Act
explicitly prohibits discrimination based on sex, race, color, religion, ancestry,
national origin, disability or medical condition. Courts have held that the
categories listed in the law are merely examples and that the Unruh Act should be
interpreted broadly to prohibit arbitrary discrimination, including discrimination
based on personal characteristics, geographical origin, physical attributes, and
individual beliefs.


Founded in 1998, Equality California is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, grassroots-based,
statewide advocacy organization whose mission is to ensure the dignity, safety,
equality and civil rights of all lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT)
Californians. Equality California is one of the largest and fastest growing
statewide LGBT organizations in the country. We can be contacted through our website
at http://www.eqca.org.

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