Long Beach : Anti-AIDS Discrimination Law Takes Effect in 30 Days
Discrimination against individuals with AIDS will be illegal in Long Beach under an ordinance adopted by the City Council this week.
The council approved the ordinance 7 to 0, making Long Beach the seventh California city to adopt an anti-AIDS discrimination law. It prohibits discrimination in housing, on the job or in offering business or medical services.
Under the law, which will go into effect in 30 days, those who believe they are being discriminated against because they have AIDS or are simply perceived to have AIDS can file a civil lawsuit for damages and to stop the discrimination. The city attorney will have authority to ask for a court injunction to halt instances of discrimination.
City health officials have supported the ordinance, saying there is no medical evidence that the AIDS virus can be transmitted through casual contact. Long Beach, with a substantial gay population, has more than 600 reported cases of AIDS, among the highest in Los Angeles County.
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