News (USA)

California may soon ban discrimination against transgender jurors

The measure passed in the state House without debate on a 63-2 vote Thursday. It now goes to the Senate.
By · Updated on March 21, 2015
California may soon ban discrimination against transgender jurors

JurySACRAMENTO, Calif. — The California state Assembly has approved a bill to block discrimination against transgender jurors.

The bill by Assemblyman Mark Stone, a Democrat from Monterey Bay, clarifies state law on peremptory challenges that are used to remove prospective jurors during jury selection.

It also bars using peremptory challenges based on a juror’s disability, ethnic group or genetic information.

AB87 says a challenge can’t be used simply because a lawyer assumes that a prospective juror would be biased because he or she has the characteristics of another gender.

Article continues below

The measure passed without debate on a 63-2 vote Thursday. It now goes to the Senate.

It already is illegal to use the challenges because of race, religion, sex, national origin, or sexual orientation.

© 2015, Associated Press, All Rights Reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Don't forget to share:
News (USA)
California Discrimination Jurors Jury Duty Transgender

Support vital LGBTQ+ journalism

Reader contributions help keep LGBTQ Nation free, so that queer people get the news they need, with stories that mainstream media often leaves out. Can you contribute today?

Once Monthly Annually

Cancel anytime · Proudly LGBTQ+ owned and operated

Missouri lawmakers add to wave of anti-LGBT legislation with eight bills

Previous article

San Francisco to consider protections for LGBT seniors in assisted living facilities

Next article

More in News (USA)