RivCo GOP Lawmaker Wants Political Ideology To Be Protected Class

LAKE ELSINORE, CA — A Republican lawmaker from Lake Elsinore wants political ideology to become a protected class in California.

State Senator Melissa Melendez has introduced two bills — Senate Bill 238 and Senate Bill 249 — that she claims are an "anti-discrimination package to fight 'cancel culture.'"

Senate Bill 238 aims to amend the Fair Employment and Housing Act by adding "political affiliation" as a protected class under California’s anti-discrimination laws. If enacted, the bill would protect California residents from discrimination based on political affiliation when seeking employment opportunities or housing.

Under current California law, employers may not fire or retaliate against employees for their political activities or political beliefs. However, the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution applies only to government suppression of speech, not to private employers, so one's political beliefs and affiliation are generally not protected from employment discrimination during the hiring process.

Under SB 238, an employer could not decide against hiring someone based on the job candidate's political affiliation. The same would apply to candidates seeking housing. (See California's list of protected classes here, which does not include politics.)

Senate Bill 249 amends the Education Code to prohibit discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying in schools based on political affiliation.

Both bills have been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

“It is unfathomable to me that corporations and members of the public would ruin a person’s career, business and family because of their political ideology,” Melendez said in a released statement. “A free society shouldn’t allow thoughts and ideas to be censored. Free speech covers all speech, not just that with which you agree.

“Cancel culture and the efforts to silence differing opinions and voices should be a growing concern for all of us,” Melendez continued. “A climate of intolerance has been established and has stifled healthy and normal debate. Anyone who values their own freedom of speech should be concerned. This cannot and should not be allowed to continue.”

Melendez represents the 28th Senate District, which includes the cities of Blythe, Canyon Lake, Cathedral City, Coachella, Desert Hot Springs, Indian Wells, Indio, Lake Elsinore, La Quinta, Murrieta, Temecula, Palm Desert, Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, and Wildomar.