Unruh Civil Rights Act

The Unruh Civil Rights Act is a piece of California legislation that specifically outlaws discrimination based on sex, race,color, religion, ancestry, national origin, disability, or medical condition. This law apples to all businesses, including but not limited to hotels and motels, non-profit organizations, restaurants, theaters, hospitals, barber and beauty shops, housing accommodations, public agencies, and retail establishments. [cite web|url=http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&ct=res&cd=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dfeh.ca.gov%2Fpublications%2Fpublications.aspx%3FshowPub%3D36&ei=sz_uSMCwJYG0sAPj6636Aw&usg=AFQjCNElXS0Edpy17cBgSj3I0ICWxkjRFA&sig2=qtJ7XGKTUt75PGz73rFofA]

Text of the Act

"All persons within the jurisdiction of this state are free andequal, and no matter what their sex, race, color, religion,ancestry, national origin, disability, or medical condition areentitled to the full and equal accommodations, advantagesfacilities, privileges, or services in all business establishmentsof every kind whatsoever." Civil Code section 51(b)

Legal Interpretation

The California Supreme Court used this law to outlaw sex-based prices at bars. Sex-based prices are offering ladies a discount on drinks but not offering the same discount to males. In Koire v Metro Car Wash, 40 Cal 3d24, 219 Cal Rptr 133(1985), the court held that such discounts constituted sex stereotyping prohibited by this Act. [cite web|url=http://www.allbusiness.com/accommodation-food-services/462348-1.html]

ee also

* Politics of California

References

* California Department of Fair Employment and Housing Fact Sheet [http://www.dfeh.ca.gov/publications/publications.aspx?showPub=36] .