-
California's Fair Employment and Housing Act covers both harassment in the workplace and harassment against citizens seeking housing or living in a residence. The law defines sexual harassment separately.
Employment and Housing Harassment
Employers and labor organizations may not harass an employee during hiring, work or firing. Housing owners may not harass any citizen who buys, rents or leases a residence.
Prohibited Reasons
The law prohibits harassment because of race, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, familial status, income source or disability. The sex harassment includes sexual harassment, gender harassment and harassment involving pregnancy, childbirth or a related medical condition.
Perceived or Associated
A harasser commits an act covered by the law when he perceives the harassed citizen has one of the listed traits or the citizen has an associate with one of the listed traits.
Employee's Conduct
California holds employers responsible for acts of harassment committed by their employees.
Sexual Harassment
Harassment is sexual when the harasser makes unwanted sexual advances, solicits or makes requests or demands. The law also prohibits visual, verbal or physical conduct that has a sexual nature.
Source:
Fair Employment and Housing Act at California Department of Fair Employment and Housing
Discrimination and Harassment in Employment are Prohibited by Law at California DFEH
Copyright 2023, Wired Ivy, LLC