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California Court Upholds LGBT Care Residents' Rights, Rejects Free Speech Challenge

11/7/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The California Supreme Court upheld the LGBT Long-Term Care Residents’ Bill of Rights, prohibiting employees from misgendering residents.
It rejected a First Amendment challenge, finding violations relate to workplace conduct, not free speech.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta praised the ruling and highlighted protections against discrimination.
Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero of the California Supreme Court said the decision governs conduct rather than creative expression, with criminal penalties a last resort.

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Story summary

The California Supreme Court upheld the LGBT Long-Term Care Residents’ Bill of Rights, prohibiting employees from misgendering residents.
It rejected a First Amendment challenge, finding violations relate to workplace conduct, not free speech.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta praised the ruling and highlighted protections against discrimination.
Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero of the California Supreme Court said the decision governs conduct rather than creative expression, with criminal penalties a last resort.