California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA)

Summary

A broad state law that protects employees from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation based on a wide variety of protected characteristics including gender identity and expression.

Rights & Rules

01.
Protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
02.
Right to reasonable accommodation for physical or mental disabilities.
03.
Right to take legal action against an employer for creating a hostile work environment.

Penalties

01.
Unlimited compensatory damages for emotional distress
02.
Punitive damages in cases of malice or fraud
03.
Attorney's fees and court costs

Verified Citations

CA Government Code § 12940

Source

"It is an unlawful employment practice... For an employer, because of the race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability... to refuse to hire or employ the person."