The bill is authored by Assemblymember Toni Atkins and is
sponsored by Equality California and the Transgender Law Center. AB
887 will strengthen employment, housing, and other civil rights
protections for all Californians, especially those who face
discrimination based on gender identity and expression.
"I am grateful that my Assembly colleagues on both sides of the
aisle joined me today in support of AB 887, the Gender
Nondiscrimination Act," said Assemblymember Atkins. "I am inspired
by the devoted work of supporters of this bill - the many youth,
transgender advocates, and others who have made their voices heard
- and I will continue fighting for this important legislation to
become law."
AB 887 takes existing protections based on gender identity and
expression and enumerates them as protected categories in
non-discrimination laws. In addition, while California
non-discrimination laws already define "gender" to include a
person's gender identity and gender expression, the bill clarifies
that gender identity and expression are included in the definition
of gender and sex in all California codes.
"The rights of all hardworking Californians, including transgender
people, must be protected by our state's laws," said Equality
California Interim Executive Director Jim Carroll. "The Gender
Nondiscrimination Act will reduce the harms caused by
discrimination by inserting language into state law that is direct
and easily understood. We thank Assemblymember Atkins and allied
Assemblymembers for championing this bill. We now ask the State
Senate to join in support of this critical piece of
legislation."
In 2009, the Transgender Law Center released its The State of
Transgender California report. The report revealed overwhelmingly
that Californians who experience discrimination based on gender
identity and gender expression at work or elsewhere often times do
not file complaints because they are unaware that they are
protected as a result of confusing non-discrimination laws.
"Transgender people and others who don't fit into narrow gender
stereotypes are discriminated against and suffer at school, on the
job, and under the law," said Masen Davis, Executive Director of
the Transgender Law Center." We applaud Assemblymember Atkins and
the California Assembly for passing AB 887 to protect students at
school and employees at work."
More than 100 cities across America and hundreds of employers
already provide clear non-discrimination protections based on
gender identity and gender expression. Cities that list them as
separate protected categories in non-discrimination ordinances
include Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Santa Cruz, Oakland
and West Hollywood.
The bill will now move to the State Senate.
