The California Unruh Civil Rights Act is a state law that prohibits discrimination based on certain protected characteristics in various contexts, including business establishments, housing, and public accommodations. It is one of California’s key civil rights statutes and serves to protect individuals from discrimination and unequal treatment. Here are some key aspects of the Unruh Act:
- Protected Characteristics: The Unruh Act prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, genetic information, or age (over 40) in business establishments, housing, and public accommodations.
- Business Establishments: The Unruh Act prohibits discrimination in places of public accommodation, such as restaurants, hotels, stores, theaters, hospitals, and other businesses that offer goods, services, or facilities to the public. It prohibits differential treatment or segregation based on protected characteristics.
- Housing: The Unruh Act also prohibits discrimination in housing, including rental housing, sales of housing, financing, and other real estate transactions. It applies to landlords, real estate agents, property managers, and others involved in housing-related activities.
- Public Accommodations: The Unruh Act ensures that individuals have equal access to and are treated equally in public accommodations, including restaurants, theaters, parks, beaches, and other places open to the public.
- Legal Remedies: Individuals who believe they have experienced discrimination in violation of the Unruh Act can pursue legal remedies, including injunctive relief, compensatory damages, punitive damages, and attorney’s fees. They may file a lawsuit in state court to seek redress for the discrimination they have experienced.
- Enforcement: The Unruh Act is enforced by both private individuals and government agencies, such as the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH). The DFEH investigates complaints of discrimination and may take administrative action or file lawsuits on behalf of aggrieved individuals.
Overall, the California Unruh Civil Rights Act plays a crucial role in protecting the civil rights of individuals and promoting equal access and treatment in various sectors of society. It serves as a powerful tool to combat discrimination and ensure that all individuals are treated fairly and equitably, regardless of their protected characteristics.