California state senator seeks to block discrimination based on political affiliation

Republican California state Sen. Melissa Melendez, in an attempt to combat "cancel culture," has introduced legislation seeking to prohibit discrimination based on an individual's political affiliation.

"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," Melendez said in a statement. "A free society shouldn't allow thoughts and ideas to be censored. Free speech covers all speech, not just that with which you agree."

The Golden State senator has put forward bills, one of which would make political affiliation a protected class to shield Californians from discrimination in their pursuit of employment and housing.

"Senate Bill (SB) 238, known as the Diversity of Thought Act, aims to amend the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) in the Government Code, by adding political affiliation as a protected class under California's Anti-Discrimination laws," according to the lawmaker's press release. "If enacted, the bill protects California residents from discrimination when seeking employment opportunities or housing, based on political affiliation." 

Another bill would pertain to schools: "Senate Bill (SB) 249 amends the Education Code, including political affiliation, to prohibit discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying in schools," according to the press release.