CA Bill Would Make Political Affiliation A Protected Class

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — A California lawmaker wants to fight the so-called "cancel culture" by making political affiliation a protected class.

State Senator Melissa Melendez (R-Lake Elsinore) introduced the legislation this week saying a "climate of intolerance" has been established in California.

"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 statement.

Senate Bill 238, the "Diversity of Thought Act," would make it a crime to deny someone housing or employment based on their political beliefs. If passed, political affiliation would be added as a protected class under California's Anti-Discrimination laws.

A second bill in the "Anti-Discrimination bill package" would change the state's education code to ban bullying or harassment based on political affiliation.

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Melendez says the package "affirms Californians are supported in their right to open dialogue and diversity of thought."