Polyamorous and Nontraditional Family Structures Gain Anti-Discrimination Protections in Some California Cities

A growing number of West Coast cities are expanding workplace anti-discrimination laws to cover polyamorous and other “non-normative family and relationship structures” — including multi-partner, multi-parent, multi-generational, blended, and consensually non-monogamous relationships, as well as asexual and aromantic ones.

Three California cities have acted.

Oakland (effective April 16, 2024) is the only one with an explicit employment ordinance. Violations carry treble damages plus attorneys’ fees, with a three-year limitations period and cumulative remedies.

Berkeley and West Hollywood have similar ordinances but neither explicitly covers employment. Both prohibit discrimination in “business establishments,” and employees could argue that employment qualifies as a “privilege” of such an establishment — untested theory, but real litigation risk.