SB 1425 Summary

• Adds sexual orientation and gender identity as protected classes in Arizona's civil rights laws across employment, housing, and public accommodations.

• Defines "sexual orientation" as homosexuality, heterosexuality or bisexuality, and "gender identity" as gender-related identity, appearance, mannerisms or characteristics regardless of sex assigned at birth.

• Requires recognition of individuals as qualified based on their gender identity when sex is a bona fide occupational qualification.

• Modifies the religious freedom exemption in section 41-1493.01 to clarify that religious exercise protections do not override federal and state anti-discrimination laws, including those prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in housing and employment.

• Updates various provisions of Arizona Revised Statutes sections 41-1402, 41-1441, 41-1442, 41-1461 through 41-1464, 41-1481, 41-1491, and related sections to incorporate sexual orientation and gender identity protections throughout civil rights statutes.