Undt you vill Komply!
Posted on 08/23/2005 1:58:00 PM PDT by dukeman
Legislation Now Hits Governor’s Desk
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Legislation designed to prevent discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals in political campaigns is one critical step away from becoming law – a signature by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Today, the Senate approved Assembly Bill (AB) 866, authored by Speaker pro Tem Leland Yee (D-San Francisco/Daly City) on a 21-12 vote. The Governor now has 12 days to sign or veto AB 866.
The legislation, sponsored by Equality California (EQCA), would prohibit the use of any negative appeal based on prejudice against LGBT people by candidates or campaign committees who sign the voluntary pledge provided for in the Code of Fair Campaign Practices.
“I urge the Governor to immediately sign this bill into law so we can move one step closer to ending anti-gay rhetoric in political campaigns,” said Speaker pro Tem Yee. “Candidates should not discriminate and victimize the LGBT community for political purposes. Fostering campaigns that create fear and intimidation only incite a potentially dangerous situation for the LGBT community.”
“Sidelining ethics and integrity to garner votes is simply bad politics,” said Executive Director Geoffrey Kors of Equality California. “We cannot allow a few bad apples to hijack political campaigns and really cheapen the voting process with homophobia and anti-gay prejudice. Candidates must live up to a higher standard willing to represent all constituencies and communities. This is no gray area. Winning elections on the backs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people is just wrong and opens the door to attacks and violence against our community. This is why the Legislature has passed this necessarily piece of legislation and we believe Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger will uphold respect and equality for all Californians.”
Currently, candidates can sign a voluntary Code of Fair Campaign Practices pledge which states they will not use any negative appeal or prejudice based on race, sex, religion, national origin, physical health status, or age during their political campaigns. This Code of Fair Campaign Practices and a copy of the Elections Code provisions are required to be provided by the Registrar of Voters at the declaration of candidacy, nomination papers, or any other documentation that identifies the intent to be a candidate for public office.
Studies have concluded that political hate-driven messages have been directly connected to violence against LGBT people. Incidents of violence against the LGBT community have peaked in national elections years, particularly in the 2004 presidential election where gay and lesbian issues played an unprecedented role at both the national and local levels. In 2003, when San Francisco issued civil marriage licenses to same-sex couples, incidents of violence rose over 14 percent throughout the city.
“When I run for office, I want to be sure that I am judged on my knowledge, experience and integrity, and not viewed on stereotypes or hate,” said Marina Gatto, a 16-year-old gay rights activist. “AB 866 is a common sense measure; it is an important and vital step towards equality, and it deserves the support of every legislator as well as everyone in our community.”
Undt you vill Komply!
No free speech for you...
Wonder how they would feel if similar legislation was on the governor's desk for Christians or gun owners or conservatives...
No doubt the SCOTUS will find this one constitutional, if anyone dare sue that is.
They don't really have free speech in CA anyway. Heck, even freedom of thought was abolished years ago.
CA Conservatives and all decent folks need to be liberated from this tyranny.
I hate this Friggin state, time to move to Texas.
Geez. That was the exact thought that popped into my head as well.
Surely Arnold's too smart to fall for this. But he also has to be strong enough, so maybe I shouldn't hold my breath.
I agree, and I'm a Californian. Save us!!!
I'll even become a traitor to my state, should a conservative state attack us and try and bring sense to this insane state of affairs!
Ping
(Denny Crane: "Sometimes you can only look for answers from God and failing that... and Fox News".)
So if you don't sign this voluntary pledge, this doesn't mean a darn thing?
So now opposition to homosexual marriage and gay partner benefits will be interpreted as incitement to violence against gays by knuckle-dragging low-lifes?
Just throw it in the garbage. No one wants anything to do with that crap. If they want kink, let them start a kink club, but keep it out of normal Americans faces.
What do you think, XA?
They can't tell the difference between constiuttional and PC.
(Denny Crane: "Sometimes you can only look for answers from God and failing that... and Fox News".)
(Denny Crane: "Sometimes you can only look for answers from God and failing that... and Fox News".)
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