Civil Rights
Equality. It is guaranteed by the federal Constitution and by the constitutions of every state in the Northwest. And Legal Voice is there to make sure that women's rights under these laws—including the rights to equal treatment, privacy, and access to the courts—are protected and enforced.
To ensure that women's basic civil rights to equality are fulfilled, we fight to ensure that the law protects those rights in whatever arena they are challenged—whether it is in housing, prison, a membership club, or an athletic league. For example:
- Anti-discrimination laws require any place that serves the public—such as social clubs or athletic facilities—to serve people without discrimination. If someone tries to deny access to the facility or club based on gender, Legal Voice takes action.
- For more than forty years, federal and state laws have prohibited discrimination in housing. Yet women continue to face unwarranted evictions and housing denials, particularly when they have been victims of domestic or sexual violence. This is illegal discrimination, and Legal Voice is fighting to make sure landlords, the courts, and prospective tenants know it.
- We challenge government action that discriminates against women—whether it is a law that creates a sex-based classification or an action that results in women being treated unfairly.
Current Action
- Advocating for legislation to strengthen remedies for tenants subjected to sexual harassment, assault, or stalking by their landlords.
- Ensuring that landlords follow state and federal laws prohibiting discrimination in housing based on gender or sexual orientation.
If you have been unfairly denied housing or subjected to harassment by your landlord, contact us. - Fighting the use of immigration status as a weapon in litigation against undocumented workers.
- Investigating prison policies and practices regarding shackling pregnant prisoners during labor and childbirth.
- Challenging unemployment insurance laws that disproportionately impact women as a violation of Washington's Equal Rights Amendment.
(Andrews-Jackson v. Employment Security Dep't) - Advocating for and defending state regulations that require pharmacies to fill legal prescriptions and provide medication without discrimination or delay.
Women's rights. Nothing less.
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