Free Republic

SACRAMENTO -- Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has vetoed a bill that would have required candidates who sign a code of fair campaign practices to refrain from using negative references to a person's sexual orientation or gender identity. Assemblyman Leland Yee, D-San Francisco, said his bill was needed to discourage political campaigns that create fear and intimidation and could lead to violence. But Schwarzenegger said signing the campaign code is voluntary and there would be no way to enforce the bill except through the ballot box. "I trust the people to be the best judge of conduct of a campaign when they...

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...