On January 1, 2006, two new laws to protect the civil rights of transgender people went into effect in the state of California. AB 1400 and AB 1586 will now protect transgender people when they experience discrimination while using public accommodations or getting health care.

Equality California and the Transgender Law Center say California now has the most transgender friendly laws in the nation.

The Civil Rights Act of 2005 (AB 1400) will help protect transgender people when they are discriminated against while using public accommodations such as bathrooms. To help educate society the Transgender Law Center has created a guide called "Peeing in Peace: A Resource Guide for Transgender Activists and Allies."

The Insurance Gender Non-discrimination Act (AB 1586) will protect transgender people in the health care industry. According to the Transgender Law Center and the National Center for Lesbian Rights at least 48% of all transgender people experience discrimination in employment, 38% in public accommodations, 32% in housing, and 31% in health care.

Transgender activist Dina Boyer says the laws are a step in the right direction, but transgender people also need devices or methods to prosecute when they experience discrimination. She says "I always hear lawyers, attorneys and public defenders say there is nothing we can do. Hopefully the new laws will enable them to prosecute when a transgender person experiences discrimination."