Understanding California's Caste Discrimination Bill

Image source – The Print

According to the article, the California Senate Judiciary Committee has passed a bill that would prohibit caste discrimination in the state. The bill, known as AB 217, would add caste as a prohibited basis for discrimination under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act and the Unruh Civil Rights Act. Caste is a social hierarchy system that is traditionally practiced in some South Asian communities. The bill would protect individuals from discrimination based on their caste, as well as provide legal recourse for those who experience such caste discrimination. The bill was introduced by Assembly member Ash Kalra, who stated that discrimination is a “serious issue that affects people around the world, including here in California.” He also noted that the bill would help ensure that California “remains a leader in fighting discrimination of all forms.” The bill has received support from various civil rights organizations, including Equality Labs and the South Asian Bar Association of North America. It will now go to the full Senate for a vote. If passed, it will be sent to the governor for signature.

Re-reported from the story originally published in The print