Oakland Becomes the First West Coast City to Pass Non-Monogamy Nondiscrimination Legislation
A historic moment to ensure all families, no matter their structure, are treated fairly and have equal access to essential services
Oakland, California, has taken a significant stride forward in promoting inclusivity and equality for non-monogamous and polyamorous communities by passing a groundbreaking nondiscrimination ordinance that will protect “everything from non-monogamous relationships to multi-partner families with stepparents and stepchildren, multi-generational families and single parents by choice,” according to Brett Chamberlin, executive director of the Organization for Polyamory and Ethical Non-monogamy. “It’s also a testament to the growing power of the movement to normalize non-monogamy.” Traditionally, relationship structure (unlike gender, race, or sexual orientation) is typically not included among the categories protected in housing and employment. This legislation extends legal protections to non-normative and diverse family structures, marking a historic moment for the West Coast, and positioning Oakland at the forefront of progressive cities protecting the rights of diverse family and relationship structures.
The bill, spearheaded by Oakland City Councilmember Janani Ramachandran (and unanimously passed in a final reading on April 16), aims to prohibit discrimination in housing, business establishments, and public services based on individuals' relationship status or family structure by broadening the definitions of "family" and "intimate personal relationship" and introducing a civil financial penalty for any violations of rights by city services or facilities. It's a crucial move towards ensuring that all residents, regardless of their family dynamics, are treated fairly and have equal access to essential services.
“It is an important first step to recognizing the rights to legitimize our large and growing polyamorous community and to make sure that our legal protections are expanding,” Ramachandran said, emphasizing the necessity of these protections, highlighting how without them, landlords and businesses could freely discriminate against individuals based on their family arrangements. By enacting this law, Oakland is reaffirming its commitment to justice and inclusivity for its diverse communities.
Dr. Heath Schechinger (who I had the pleasure of collaborating with earlier this year on a non-monogamy workshop at a private Bay Area party) and his colleagues at the Polyamory Legal Advocacy Coalition played a pivotal role in drafting the ordinance, modeled on what they’d previously passed in Somerville and Cambridge, Massachusetts in 2023, and adapted for California law. Their efforts reflect a broader societal shift towards recognizing and protecting the rights of non-traditional families and relationships.
The Oakland bill represents a collaborative effort between advocacy groups like the PLAC (Polyamory Legal Advocacy Coalition), the Harvard Law School LGBTQ+ Advocacy Clinic, Modern Family Institute and OPEN (Organization for Polyamory and Ethical Non-monogamy), alongside city officials, and community members to address discrimination and promote acceptance of various family structures.
As the third U.S. city to implement such protections, Oakland is leading the way for the west coast to create a future where diversity is celebrated and relationship structure discrimination is a thing of the past. The passage of this bill in Oakland sets a precedent for other cities to follow suit (similar legislation efforts are happening in Berkeley, with years of advocacy work from grassroots organizations like PolyActive, dedicated to advocating for the rights of individuals in consensually non-monogamous relationships).
“These laws raise awareness about the many forms of modern family and declare discrimination against them unacceptable and unlawful,” said Diana Adams, Executive Director of Chosen Family Law Center. “That reduces stigma for us everywhere.”
As we celebrate the passage of this nondiscrimination ordinance, let us also recognize that there is still work to be done. By continuing to champion diversity and equality, we can build a society where every individual and family feels valued and respected.
Consider getting involved and donating to support the work of these organizations who are pushing for structural change to create a society that embraces love in all its many forms: