Proposed Law Looks to Address Sexual Harassment in Startups

Throughout the technology-based business world, sexual harassment and other sex-related behaviors have become serious problems in recent years. Earlier this year, the ride-hailing company Uber was rocked by allegations of sexual misconduct and discrimination, leading to dozens of firings and resignations. There have been a number of other examples as well, but a California lawmaker has promised to introduce legislation that will target sexual harassment as it pertains to entrepreneurs and possible investors.

Current California Law

Under the Unruh Civil Rights Act—a law that was originally enacted in 1959 and named for its author, Jesse M. Unruh—discrimination on the basis of sex is illegal in business settings. The Act also offers protection against discrimination on the basis of race, color, sexual orientation, and a number of other characteristics. The law specifically identifies certain business relationships, including attorney-client and doctor-patient, as those in which sexual misconduct is prohibited, but it does not specify the same protections in a relationship between business owners and potential investors.

Proposed Amendment Forthcoming

In the wake of the allegations that have rocked Silicon Valley and the rest of the tech world, California State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson has promised action. The senator, whose district covers Santa Barbara County and most of Ventura County, said she will attach a proposal to new legislation this coming January that would amend the Unruh Civil Rights Act to be more encompassing. She wants the Act to explicitly prohibit sexual discrimination and harassment in the relationship between investors and entrepreneurs.

Sex-Related Accusations

While there is little question that sexual harassment is a major problem, false or overblown allegations of sexual misconduct can also be extremely damaging. All it takes is a suggestion of wrongdoing and your personal and professional reputation could be devastated. Whether the accusations are related to your business or not, sex-related offenses are gravely serious and carry criminal consequences that could follow you for the rest of your life.

If you have been accused of sexual misconduct, you need an attorney who will conduct a thorough investigation into the details of your case. Often, sex crimes cases are essentially one person’s word against another, but we will work hard to uncover any and all evidence that could be used in your defense. To learn more about sex crimes in California, contact an experienced San Jose criminal defense attorney. Call 408-277-0377 for a confidential consultation with Wesley J. Schroeder, Attorney at Law, today.

Sources:

https://www.wired.com/story/proposed-california-law-targets-sexual-harassment-in-venture-capital/

https://www.dfeh.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/32/2017/06/DFEH_UnruhFactSheet.pdf