California has Most Transgender Friendly Laws in U.S.

For Immediate Release

Media Contacts:

Danny Kirchoff, Equality California (415) 572-1659

Christopher Daley, Transgender Law Center (415) 771-7304

 

California has Most Transgender Friendly Laws in U.S.
AB 1400 and AB 1586 add to strong set of existing anti-discrimination laws

San Francisco, CA --On January 1, 2006 two new laws solidified California’s leadership role as the most protective state for transgender rights in the nation. The laws, sponsored by Equality California (EQCA), were AB 1400 (the Civil Rights Act of 2005) and AB 1586 (the Insurance Gender Non-Discrimination Act). AB 1400, authored by Santa Cruz Assemblyman John Laird, amended California’s public accommodation law to make clear that transgender people are protected. AB 1586, authored by Assemblyman Paul Koretz, prohibits discrimination against transgender people by the insurance industry, including healthcare insurers.

“By protecting transgender people and our families in education, employment, housing, foster care, insurance, and public accommodation, the legislature is saying very clearly that California supports diversity and inclusion,” said Danny Kirchoff, EQCA’s Transgender Equality California Project Manager. “Across the state, employers, schools, businesses, and government agencies are taking common-sense steps to create non-discriminatory environments.”

After decades in which transgender people had little protection against even the most flagrant acts of discrimination, these laws establish that California embraces transgender people equally and provides effective remedies for discrimination. A 2003 report released by the Transgender Law Center (TLC) and the National Center for Lesbian Rights, Trans Realities, documented the high rates of discrimination experienced by transgender people. Survey respondents reported discrimination in employment (49%), public accommodation (38%), housing (32%), and health care (31%).

“Even today, transgender people face discrimination in virtually every institution in the state, but these laws provide incredibly powerful tools for creating lasting social change,” said Christopher Daley, Director of TLC. “While it will take some time for the effects of these laws to be fully felt in individuals’ lives, California’s elected officials are to be commended for once again leading the nation on fairness and equality.”

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Equality California (www.eqca.org) EQCA is California’s LGBT civil rights and advocacy organization. Equality California leads efforts for LGBT civil rights at the state level through an array of strategies including sponsoring legislation and leading efforts to ensure their passage, lobbying legislators and other government officials, building coalitions, and empowering other organizations and individuals to engage in the political process.

Transgender Law Center (www.transgenderlawcenter.org) The Transgender Law Center (TLC) is a civil rights organization advocating for California’s transgender communities. TLC utilizes direct legal services, community organizing, media and public policy advocacy, and educational opportunities to advance the rights and safety of diverse transgender communities.