A History of Progress and Persistent Challenges
California’s journey toward fair housing has been a long and complex struggle, marked by periods of both progress and resistance. Early on, the state enacted discriminatory laws that denied basic rights to many minority groups. In the 20th century, racial segregation was reinforced through practices like redlining and restrictive covenants, effectively barring people of color from many neighborhoods.
Despite these challenges, significant strides were made. The Unruh Civil Rights Act of 1959 was a landmark, prohibiting discrimination by businesses, including housing providers. The Rumford Fair Housing Act of 1963 further expanded these protections, addressing discrimination in the sale and rental of housing.
However, resistance to fair housing persisted. In 1964, voters passed Proposition 14, which sought to overturn the Rumford Act, highlighting the deep-seated opposition to fair housing principles. This proposition was later deemed unconstitutional.
Today, California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) is a strong legal framework against housing discrimination. It prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, ancestry, familial status, disability, and other protected characteristics.
While progress has been made, the legacy of past discrimination continues to shape California’s housing landscape. Ongoing efforts to promote equitable housing opportunities and address disparities are crucial to achieving true fair housing for all Californians.