New California Law Expands FEHA to Cover Combined Bias Claims

Effective January 1st, Senate Bill 1137 amended Government Code section 12926, of the Fair Employment and Housing Act, to prohibit “intersectional” discrimination—bias based on a combination of protected characteristics like race and gender. The law clarifies that protection extends to any combination or perception of characteristics.

This is an ideal time to update your employee handbook and confirm your policies comply with current law.