If it passes in the state Assembly and is enacted, California could become the first state in the nation to make caste bias illegal by adding it as a protected category in the state’s anti-discrimi…
By DEEPA BHARATH | Associated Press
The California Senate voted 34-1 Thursday in favor of legislation outlawing caste discrimination in the state. If it passes in the state Assembly and is enacted, California could become the first state in the nation to make caste bias illegal by adding it as a protected category in the state’s anti-discrimination laws.
State Sen. Aisha Wahab, D-Hayward, the first Muslim and Afghan American elected to the legislature, introduced the bill in March. Caste is a division of people related to birth or descent and those at the lowest strata of the caste system known as Dalits, have been pushing for legal protections in California and beyond. They say it is necessary to protect them from bias in housing, education and in the tech sector — where they hold key roles.
Thursday’s vote was swift, with only Sen. Brian Jones voting against the legislation, which has been controversial. On April 25, hundreds on both sides of the issue came to voice their opinions during a Senate Judiciary hearing on the matter. Proponents say caste discrimination is a reality in California and that clarifying the state’s anti-discrimination laws will help protected caste-oppressed communities.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta to announce civil rights investigation in Bay AreaThe subject of the state attorney general’s investigation was not immediately clear Wednesday morning.
Read more »
State AG Rob Bonta to launch civil rights investigation in Bay AreaCalifornia Attorney General Rob Bonta on Wednesday said he will announce the launch of a civil rights investigation in the Bay Area.
Read more »
Stranger with ax breaks into occupied Bay Area home; police find him on couchA resident called 911 and said a man he did not know had entered the house after using an ax to break the sliding glass door.
Read more »
Bay Area musician Sheetal Singh reflects on race and identity in second albumFor Berkeley-based instrumentalist Sheetal Singh — who writes and records as Forest Bees — a great song concept often can strike her at the worst of times.
Read more »
What Bay Area riders want to get back on BARTBART historically has relied on fares to maintain the system, which has become more challenging due the impact of the pandemic on commuting.
Read more »
This university is the first in the Bay Area to unveil a free Narcan vending machineSchool officials say that the vending machine is designed to solve one of the biggest barriers that students face in acquiring Narcan — its high cost.
Read more »