San Bernardino Sexual Orientation Discrimination Attorneys
California is one of the most progressive states when it comes to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) rights. For decades, the state has been a leader in paving the way for equal protection under state laws for LGBT individuals. From the legalization of gay marriage, to hate crime protection, California has enacted several laws to protect the LGBT community against sexual orientation discrimination.
If you have been subjected to discrimination regarding your sexual orientation or gender in San Bernardino County, Riverside County, Los Angeles County, San Diego County, and other parts of Southern California, contact our law office for a consultation. We provide compassionate legal representation to LGBT individuals against sexual orientation discrimination. Read on to learn more about California State laws that protect LGBT individuals.
Same-Sex Marriage
Same-sex couples have the right to wed under Federal and California State law. California was the 13th state in the U.S. to legalize same-sex marriage.
Proposition 8 banned same-sex marriage in California in 2008, but the law was overturned by a U.S. Supreme Court decision in June 2013.
The Court’s ruling will forever impact the rights of gay men and lesbians, the government’s role in structuring families, and the relationship between the institution of marriage and religion and morality. See Hollingsworth v. Perry.
If you have been denied the right to marry in California as a same-sex couple, contact our law office for a consultation. We provide legal advice and guidance to same-sex couples throughout San Bernardino County, and all of Southern California.
Adoption and Family Planning
In 2003, LGBT individuals and same-sex couples received the right to legally adopt children under California State law. LGBT individuals can adopt children both individually and jointly as same-sex couples. If an adoption agency denies you or your spouse the right to adopt a child based on your sexual orientation or gender, contact us to learn about your available legal options.
Employment and Housing Discrimination
As employees or tenants, LGBT individuals are protected from discrimination under several state laws. For example, the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) prohibit California employers and landlords from discriminating against employees and tenants due to their sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, and/or gender expression. The Civil Rights Housing Act of 2006, Gender Nondiscrimination Act, and Equal Benefits in State Contracting laws also protect LGBT employees and tenants.
Hate Crime Protection
California Penal Code, Section 13023 provides protection to one’s sexual orientation if they are subjected to hate crimes. Under this section, a hate crime is defined as a “criminal act committed, in whole or in part, because of one or more of the following actual or perceived characteristics of the victim: … 2) gender,… [or] 6) sexual orientation. Hate crime perpetrators can be subject to serving extensive jail/prison sentence for inflicting a hate crime on an LGBT person.
Fair Education Act
California’s Education Code, Section 51204.5 specifically prescribes the inclusion of LGBT lifestyles to be in educational textbooks and curricula throughout public schools. Schools are prohibited from sponsoring negative activities that prohibit teaching students about LGBT lifestyles.
Contact Our LGBT Discrimination Attorneys
If you feel as though you or a loved one has been discriminated against based on sexual orientation or gender, contact our LGBT attorney for a consultation. We provide compassionate and aggressive legal representation to LGBT individuals located throughout San Bernardino County, and all of Southern California.
