BAKERSFIELD, CA - A bill quietly introduced by Bakersfield Assemblywoman Shannon Grove is California's version of the religious exercise bill recently vetoed in Arizona.
Grove introduced AB-2237 on February 21st. If it passes, it will allow businesses to discriminate on religious grounds.
Grove's secretary said she was in Sacramento attending meetings with her Chief of Staff all day Tuesday and was unavailable to comment.
Grove makes no mention of her bill on her website or Facebook account. AB-2237 would make an exception to California's Unruh Civil Rights Act of 1959.
"That law says a business establishment cannot discriminate against people on the basis of race, age, sex, national origin, and other categories," said Bakersfield attorney Joel Andreesen.
Grove's bill is similar to one that passed both houses in Arizona's legislature before it was vetoed by Arizona Governor Jan Brewer.
Andreesen said there are exceptions to the state's Civil Rights Act.
"That does allow a business to have neutral rules that apply to all patrons," said Andreesen.
Some businesses post signs stating they have the right to refuse service to anyone. A common rule is "No shirt, no shoes, no service." Business owners can also refuse to serve someone acting offensively or can decline to perform a service that they find offensive.
"For example, they're refusing to write anything on a cake or any decorations that have swear words, and that would be permissible," said Andreesen.
Grove's bill is scheduled to go before committee March 25th.
Grove introduced AB-2237 on February 21st. If it passes, it will allow businesses to discriminate on religious grounds.
Grove's secretary said she was in Sacramento attending meetings with her Chief of Staff all day Tuesday and was unavailable to comment.
Grove makes no mention of her bill on her website or Facebook account. AB-2237 would make an exception to California's Unruh Civil Rights Act of 1959.
"That law says a business establishment cannot discriminate against people on the basis of race, age, sex, national origin, and other categories," said Bakersfield attorney Joel Andreesen.
Grove's bill is similar to one that passed both houses in Arizona's legislature before it was vetoed by Arizona Governor Jan Brewer.
Andreesen said there are exceptions to the state's Civil Rights Act.
"That does allow a business to have neutral rules that apply to all patrons," said Andreesen.
Some businesses post signs stating they have the right to refuse service to anyone. A common rule is "No shirt, no shoes, no service." Business owners can also refuse to serve someone acting offensively or can decline to perform a service that they find offensive.
"For example, they're refusing to write anything on a cake or any decorations that have swear words, and that would be permissible," said Andreesen.
Grove's bill is scheduled to go before committee March 25th.
