Section 12926.2.
Cal. Government Code - GOV § 12926.2.
in effectAs used in this part in connection with unlawful practices, unless a different meaning clearly appears from the context:
(a)
“Religious corporation” means any corporation formed under, or otherwise subject to, Part 4 (commencing with Section 9110) or Part 6 (commencing with Section 10000) of Division 2 of Title 1 of the Corporations Code, and also includes a corporation that is formed primarily or exclusively for religious purposes under the laws of any other state to administer the affairs of
an organized religious group and that is not organized for private profit.
(b)
“Religious duties” means duties of employment connected with carrying on the religious activities of a religious corporation or association.
(c)
Notwithstanding subdivision (d) of Section 12926 and except as otherwise provided in subdivision (d) of this section, “employer” includes a religious corporation or association with respect to persons employed by the religious association or corporation to perform duties, other than religious duties, at a health care facility operated by the religious association or corporation for the provision of health care that is not restricted to adherents of the religion that established the association or corporation.
(d)
“Employer” does not include a religious corporation with respect to either the
employment, including promotion, of an individual of a particular religion, or the application of the employer’s religious doctrines, tenets, or teachings, in any work connected with the provision of health care.
(e)
Notwithstanding subdivision (d) of Section 12926, “employer” does not include a nonprofit public benefit corporation incorporated to provide health care on behalf of a religious organization under Part 2 (commencing with Section 5110) of Division 2 of Title 1 of the Corporations Code, with respect to employment, including promotion, of an individual of a particular religion in an executive or pastoral-care position connected with the provision of health care.
(f)
(1)
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a nonprofit public benefit corporation formed by, or affiliated with, a particular religion and that operates an educational institution
as its sole or primary activity, may restrict employment, including promotion, in any or all employment categories to individuals of a particular religion.
(2)
Notwithstanding paragraph (1) or any other provision of law, employers that are nonprofit public benefit corporations specified in paragraph (1) shall be subject to the provisions of this part in all other respects, including, but not limited to, the prohibitions against discrimination made unlawful employment practices by this part.
References
referencesCal. Corporations Code - CORP § 10000.
referencesCal. Corporations Code - CORP § 5110.
referencesCal. Government Code - GOV § 9110.
referencesCal. Government Code - GOV § 12926.
Source: CA Legislative Counsel Bulk DataURL: https://downloads.leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/pubinfo_2025.zipFetched: 6/27/2026