State Law Offers AIDS Victims Protection
In response to “Without AIDS Anti-Discrimination Bias Law, Message Is: We Don’t Care” (Commentary, Jan. 13): Though there may be no Orange County law that protects AIDS sufferers from discrimination, California state law does offer such protection.
The California Fair Employment and Housing Act prohibits employment discrimination against individuals with disabilities or physical handicaps. This provision is interpreted as prohibiting discrimination against individuals who suffer from AIDS, who are perceived as having AIDS or who associate with AIDS sufferers.
California Civil Code Section 51 provides the same protection from discrimination in housing opportunities and public accommodations. Civil Code Section 51.7 prohibits violence or threats of violence against individuals with disabilities; this provision also encompasses AIDS discrimination.
All of these laws are enforced by the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing. Individuals may file complaints with the DFEH by contacting one of the 12 district offices located throughout the state.
The Orange County District Office, located in Santa Ana, may be contacted by calling (714) 558-4159.
EARL E. SULLAWAY, Deputy director, Enforcement Division, Department of Fair Employment and Housing
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