Protected Classifications Under California Law

Protected classifications refer to certain characteristics of individuals that are protected from discrimination by law. In California, there are numerous protected classifications that are safeguarded by state and federal laws. Discrimination based on any of these characteristics is unlawful and can result in civil liability for the offending party.

Protected Classifications Under California Law

Examples of Protected Classifications Under California Law

Here are some of the most common protected classifications under California law:

  1. Race and ethnicity: California law prohibits discrimination on the basis of race or ethnicity. This includes discrimination against individuals who belong to certain racial or ethnic groups, or who are perceived to belong to such groups.
  2. Gender and gender identity: California law also prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender and gender identity. This includes discrimination against individuals who identify as male, female, transgender, non-binary, or gender non-conforming.
  3. Sexual orientation: Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation is also unlawful in California. This means that employers, housing providers, and other entities cannot discriminate against individuals based on their sexual orientation or perceived sexual orientation.
  4. Age: California law prohibits discrimination against individuals who are 40 years of age or older. This includes discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations.
  5. Disability: Discrimination against individuals with disabilities is also illegal in California. This includes discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations. Employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of their jobs.
  6. National origin: California law prohibits discrimination on the basis of national origin. This means that employers and other entities cannot discriminate against individuals based on their country of origin, accent, or other characteristics related to their national origin.
  7. Religion: Discrimination on the basis of religion is also illegal in California. This means that employers and other entities cannot discriminate against individuals based on their religious beliefs or practices.
  8. Medical condition: Discrimination against individuals with medical conditions is also prohibited under California law. This includes discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations. Employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations to employees with medical conditions to enable them to perform the essential functions of their jobs.

It’s important to note that this list is not exhaustive, and there may be other protected classifications under California law depending on the specific circumstances of the case. Additionally, it’s worth noting that some of these protected classifications may be covered under federal law as well.

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In conclusion, California law provides strong protections against discrimination based on various protected classifications, and employers and other entities must take care to ensure that they are not engaging in unlawful discrimination. If you believe that you have been the victim of discrimination based on a protected classification, you may wish to consult with an attorney to discuss your legal options.