Senate Approves Key Bill in Historic Multi-Year Overhaul of State's Anti-Bias Policies

SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember John Laird (D-Santa Cruz) today announced the State Senate approved by a vote of 23-12 legislation that would continue a multi-year effort by Mr. Laird to overhaul California's anti-discrimination laws. If the governor signs the Civil Rights Act of 2007 (AB 14) into law, Californians would have the most comprehensive civil rights protections in the nation.

Sponsored by Equality California and the California State Conference of the NAACP, the Civil Rights Act of 2007 strengthens and clarifies 51 provisions in state law to prohibit bias based on race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, gender identity and sexual orientation. The bill would correct deficiencies in state law that could leave some Californians unprotected. It will also reduce confusion for businesses and state organizations that must implement and enforce California's anti-bias laws.

"Since 2004, we have worked to move California forward by sending a clear message that discrimination and bias will not be tolerated here," said Assemblymember Laird. "AB 14 continues the effort, ensuring that clear and consistent anti-discrimination standards are uniform throughout the law. No person should be denied access to state programs or be treated unfairly by businesses operating in California."

Following routine concurrence in the Assembly, expected later today, AB 14 heads to the governor for approval.

"This legislation is the next piece of our multi-year strategy to change California law to ensure that all Californians are protected from discrimination in many different aspects of their lives," said EQCA Executive Director Geoff Kors. "Thanks to the leadership of Assemblymember Laird, we are creating a body of law that reflects the values of the vast majority of Californians who want everyone to be treated fairly and equally, regardless of race, creed, sexual orientation or gender identity."

Over the past four years, Assemblymember Laird has authored, and EQCA has sponsored, four critical pieces of legislation designed to modernize the state's nondiscrimination policies. In addition to the Civil Rights Act of 2007, Laird authored, and EQCA sponsored, the Civil Rights Housing Act of 2006 (AB 2800), the Civil Rights Act of 2005 (AB 1400), and the Omnibus Labor and Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2004 (AB 2900). Each of those three bills was signed into law by the governor. Including AB 14, the four measures give Californians comprehensive civil rights protections in nearly all aspects of life.

The Civil Rights Act of 2007 is supported by a diverse coalition of business, civil rights and community organizations. Supporters include the Civil Justice Association of California; People for the American Way; American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees; Consumer Attorneys of California; California Professional Firefighters; California State Employees Association; California Teachers Association; the American Civil Liberties Union; the Anti-Defamation League; and Asian Americans for Civil Rights and Equality.