Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, R-Calif., issued the following proclamation:

California is proud to be a national leader in the fight against discrimination. In 1959, years before similar federal legislation was created, our state enacted the Fair Employment Practices Act to prohibit employers and labor unions from discriminating against job applicants and employees. That same year, the Unruh Civil Rights Act of 1959 was also established, making discrimination in public accommodation unlawful. These two groundbreaking laws were followed by the Rumford Fair Housing Act, banning housing sale and rental discrimination, and the Ralph Civil Rights Act, which was passed to protect Californians from hate violence.

In 1980, the Legislature combined the Fair Employment Practices Act and the Rumford Fair Housing Act into the California Fair Employment and Housing Act. Additionally, the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing and the California Fair Employment and Housing Commission were created, which work to ensure that all residents of our state are treated fairly where they live and work.

Today, the Fair Employment and Housing Act protects all Californians from discrimination in employment and housing practices on account of race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, marital status, sex, sexual orientation and other qualities. With its incorporation of the Unruh and Ralph Civil Rights Acts, the Department of Fair Employment and Housing investigates, resolves and prosecutes complaints and violations of the Act.

This year marks the fiftieth anniversary of our Golden State's landmark civil rights law. I urge all Californians to reflect on our accomplishments in this area and join with me in renewing our commitment to equality for all.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER, Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim January 2009, as "Fair Employment and Housing Act Month in California."

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 6th day of January 2009.

ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER

Governor of California

ATTEST:

DEBRA BOWEN

Secretary of State

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