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Ralph Civil Rights Act Description
The Ralph Civil Rights Act, California Civil Code section 51.7, provides
protection from hate crimes. It prohibits violence or threats of violence
based on:
- Age
- Ancestry
- Color
- Disability
- National Origin
- Political Affiliation
- Position in a Labor Dispute
- Race
- Religion
- Sex
- Sexual Orientation
Civil remedies available under the Ralph Civil Rights Act include:
- Restraining Orders: After a restraining order is obtained from a court, violators of that court order can be fined or jailed.
- Actual Damages: Damages of up to $150,000 may include the cost of the victim's medical treatment, lost wages, property repair, or payment for emotional suffering and distress.
- Punitive Damages: A court can order additional damages to punish violators.
- Civil Penalties: A court or the Fair Employment and Housing Commission may order a fine of up to $25,000 which would be awarded to the person filing the complaint.
- Attorney's Fees: A court may order the payment of the complainant's attorney fees resulting from the lawsuit.
Persons who believe they have been subjected to hate violence may file a DFEH complaint.
The complaint must be filed within one year from the date the victim
of the act or threat of violence becomes aware of the perpetrator(s) identity, but
in no case more than three years from the date of harm. Persons wishing
to file directly in court do not need a "right-to-sue" notice from DFEH.
To contact the Department, click here.
Some examples of bias-related acts that are forbidden by the Ralph Civil Rights
Act are:
- Threats, Verbal or Written
- Physical Assault or Attempted Assault
- Graffiti
- Name-Calling
- Swastika Paintings
- Cross-Burning
- Bomb Threats
- Arson
- Disturbance of Religious Meetings
- Vandalism or Property Damage
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