California's Unruh Act.(Unruh Civil Rights Act)(Brief Article)

Report on Disability Programs, June, 2004

CALIFORNIA'S UNRUH ACT. Applicants for disability benefits do not have to show a present limitation with a major life activity as ADA requires, ruled a three-judge panel with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. The Standard Insurance Co. declined to issue a disability insurance policy to attorney Patrice Goldman, who was diagnosed with an "adjustment disorder" and was participating in weekly therapy sessions.

Standard's underwriting policy denies coverage for applicants with adjustment disorder until at least one year after the end of treatment. The case addressed California's 1959 civil rights measure known as the Unruh Act. In 1992, the legislature amended the act in accord with ADA. The Unruh Act also protects those who have no presently limiting...

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