Countywide : Bar Assn. Passes Anti-Bias Resolution

The Orange County Bar Assn. has voted for a resolution against holding any of its meetings or other events at places that discriminate on any basis prohibited by law.

The 6,000-member organization also voted to urge law firms and corporate legal departments to adopt a similar policy.

The action was taken at a recent meeting of the Orange County Bar Assn. board of directors.

The resolution noted that discrimination based on race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, marital status, gender, sexual orientation or age is prohibited by state and federal laws.

Doing business at establishments that discriminate prohibits some people from meaningful business and professional contacts regardless of their competence and personal worth, the resolution said.

The resolution also noted that membership and guest policies and practices at discriminatory establishments impose an unfair and arbitrary professional disadvantage on members of the Bar Assn. who may be subjected to discrimination.

No law firm or corporate legal department should pay dues or any other expenses for its partners, employees, associates or corporate counsel to frequent such establishments, or provide reimbursement or any meals or other functions at such places, the resolution read.