A Republican California state senator introduced two bills on Tuesday that that would make political affiliation a protected class under California’s anti-discrimination laws, billing it as a way to fight “cancel culture.”
State Sen. Melissa Melendez’s (R) proposal Senate Bill 238, also known as the Diversity of Thought Act, would amend the Fair Employment and Housing Act to prohibit political bias discrimination when California residents are applying for jobs or seeking housing, the Sacramento Bee reported.
“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,” said Melendez, who was elected to California’s 28th Senate District in May.
“Free speech covers all speech, not just that with which you agree,” she added.
Melendez also introduced Senate Bill 249, that would amend California’s education code to protect children from discrimination, harassment intimidation and bullying in schools based on their political views.
“Cancel culture and the efforts to silence differing opinions and voices should be a growing concern for all of us,” Melendez said.
She added, “A climate of intolerance has been established and has stifled healthy and normal debate. Anyone who values their own freedom of speech should be concerned. This cannot and should not be allowed to continue.”