No Room at the Inn?  Pregnancy Clinic Sues for Rental Discrimination

Vacaville, CA–A new lawsuit filed Wednesday alleges that a clinic for women with unplanned pregnancies was denied rental space based on its beliefs.

Attorneys with Pacific Justice Institute filed the suit in Solano County Superior Court on behalf of Alpha Pregnancy Clinics, which offers women hope and alternatives in the midst of crisis pregnancies.  After Alpha negotiated with the landlord, signed the lease, and submitted the first rental check, the landlord backed out, surprising the clinic by claiming it was not a good fit.  One of the building’s current tenants is Planned Parenthood, the nation’s largest abortion provider.  In other cities and states, Planned Parenthood has sought to shut down non-profits similar to Alpha that encourage women to consider alternatives to abortion. 

The lawsuit seeks specific performance of the rental contract and damages under California’s Unruh Civil Rights Act.  Under the lease Alpha had been scheduled to move into the building November 15.  The landlord’s breach of contract has left Alpha in limbo.

Brad Dacus, president of Pacific Justice Institute, commented, “During this Christmas season, it is sadly ironic that pregnant women are again being denied access to a place that could offer safety and hope.  This time, though it isn’t because there is no room at the inn—it is because of opposition to the pregnancy clinic’s pro-life beliefs.  This is not just ironic—it is illegal under California law.” 

Pacific Justice Institute is a non-profit legal organization dedicated to defending religious, parental, and other constitutional rights.