The Unruh Civil Rights Act is codified as California Civil Code section 51
Jesse M. Unruh, member of the California state assembly from 1955 to 1969, is credited with legislation in 1959 that became California law, known as the Unruh Civil Rights Act. Unruh ran for Governor in 1970, and lost to Ronald Reagan. Unruh subsequently went on to become the 54th speaker of the California State Assembly, and the 26th Treasurer of California until his death in 1987.
source, wikipedia, Jesse M. Unruh (pronounced UN-roo)
Jesse M. Unruh State Office Building on 915 Capital Mall, Sacramento, California.
The state building, built in 1929, and in use today, was designated in honor of Jesse M. Unruh in 1987. source, flickr
Why is the Unruh Civil Rights Act Important?
The Unruh Civil Rights Act preceded the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964. Both are anti-discrimination laws in regard to personal and public rights.
The Unruh act is unique to California because it declares all Californians have personal rights. The law prohibits discrimination against persons in employment, and housing, as well as by business establishments. The Act starts with, "All persons within the jurisdiction of this state are free and equal," [emphasis added], "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."
Pamela Seley
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