The Unruh Civil Rights Act, commonly known as the Unruh Act, is a landmark piece of legislation in California that aims to protect individuals from discrimination by businesses. Enacted in 1959, the Unruh Act ensures that all persons within California are entitled to full and equal accommodations, advantages, facilities, privileges, or services in all business establishments, regardless of their personal characteristics. The Unruh Civil Rights Act is codified in California Civil Code Section 51. The act broadly prohibits discrimination by all business establishments in California, including but not limited to hotels, restaurants, theaters, hospitals, barber shops, housing accommodations, and retail stores. The law states: “All persons within the jurisdiction of this state are free and equal, and no matter what their sex, race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship, primary language, or immigration status are entitled to the full and equal accommodations, advantages, facilities, privileges, or services in all business establishments of every kind whatsoever” The Unruh Act covers a wide range of discriminatory practices. Here are some key examples: For example a bar may have a promotion where on Mondays women get drinks half off. This may not seem like discrimination. It just seems like a special promotion to get woman to come to the bar. However, this in fact is discriminating against men because they are not afforded equal accommodations and privileges. They are denied special pricing solely because of their sex. This would be a violation of the Unruh Act. Other examples could include a doctor failing to treat a patient who was diagnosed as HIV positive. Or a visually impaired person being told their service animal is not permitted in a store. The law has far reaching affects and is meant to prevent all arbitrary and intentional acts of discrimination based on personal characteristics by businesses. It should be noted that the law does not protect against misconduct. In other words, inappropriate, rude, disruptive and harmful behavior by an individual can be grounds for a business to refuse that individual service. If you experience discrimination by a business in California, the Unruh Act provides several important rights and remedies: At Assassi & Cruz, we are dedicated to protecting the rights of individuals who have experienced discrimination by businesses. Our team of experienced attorneys has a deep understanding of the Unruh Act and a proven track record of successfully representing clients in discrimination cases. We are committed to advocating for individuals and ensuring that businesses are held accountable for their actions. Our expertise, dedication, and successful track record make us a trusted ally for individuals seeking justice and compensation. If you need assistance with a discrimination issue, we encourage you to contact us for a comprehensive evaluation of your case. Together, we can ensure that your rights are protected and that justice is served. What if a store discriminates against me? What are my rights as a customer?
Key Provisions of the Unruh Act
Prohibited Discriminatory Practices
Your Rights Under the Unruh Act
Our Firm’s Commitment to Protecting Your Rights
