In a groundbreaking move, California has become the first state to explicitly recognize intersectional discrimination in employment law. Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill (SB) 899 into law on September 27, 2024, strengthening protections for employees who face discrimination based on multiple overlapping protected characteristics rather than a single category. This law is a significant advancement for workplace rights, ensuring that individuals who experience compounded discrimination have legal recourse. A labor lawyer in California can help employees understand how this new law may impact their rights and legal options.

Understanding Intersectional Discrimination

Intersectional discrimination occurs when an employee is treated unfairly due to the combination of two or more protected characteristics, such as race, gender, age, disability, or sexual orientation. Traditional discrimination claims often address only one characteristic at a time, but this approach fails to recognize the unique and compounded barriers faced by individuals who belong to multiple marginalized groups. The passage of SB 899 acknowledges that discrimination is not always singular but rather a layered and complex experience.

How SB 899 Strengthens Employee Protections

Before SB 899, California’s employment laws required plaintiffs to prove discrimination under separate legal categories. This often meant that employees who experienced bias due to intersecting identities faced difficulties in obtaining legal redress. Under the new law, courts and enforcement agencies must consider the full context of discrimination, rather than evaluating each characteristic in isolation. This ensures greater legal protection for employees who face multiple forms of bias in the workplace.

What This Means for California Workers

California employees who have been subjected to workplace discrimination based on intersecting characteristics now have a clearer path to justice. Workers who previously struggled to prove their claims due to legal technicalities may find that SB 899 provides stronger legal standing. If you believe you have experienced discrimination due to multiple aspects of your identity, consulting a labor lawyer in California can help you determine the best course of action.

How Valerian Law Can Help

At Valerian Law, we are dedicated to advocating for employees who have faced unfair workplace treatment and discrimination. Our experienced team understands the complexities of intersectional discrimination cases and is committed to holding employers accountable. If you believe you have been discriminated against in the workplace, contact a labor lawyer in California at Valerian Law today to discuss your legal options.