San Francisco has long been a leader in protecting diverse communities, but residents in non-monogamous relationships and non-nuclear family structures still face discrimination.
It's time to close that gap.
Protecting diverse family and relationship structures in San Francisco
What We're Working Toward
The San Franciscans for Family and Relationship Equity Coalition is working to pass an ordinance that would add "family or relationship structure" as a protected category in the city's existing non-discrimination laws.
This protection would cover diverse families and relationships including:
Consensually non-monogamous relationships (polyamory, open relationships, swinger lifestyle etc.)
Multi-partner and multi-parent families
Multi-generational households
Stepfamilies and blended families
Chosen families
Single-parent households
Asexual and aromantic relationships
Why this matters
Despite San Francisco's progressive values, people in non-monogamous relationships and non-nuclear family structures face real discrimination in housing, employment, healthcare, and other essential services. Our 2024 community survey of 4,500 people found that 58% experienced stigma or discrimination based on their relationship or family structure.
The lack of legal protection forces many to hide their relationships and family arrangements, creating stress and limiting access to support systems when they're needed most.