Assembly passes bill to require contributions of gays in textbooks
The bill, SB 48, would require history classes and textbooks to include contributions of gays, lesbians and transgender Americans. Gov. Brown has 12 days to sign it or veto it.
Two openly gay California lawmakers -- Assembly Speaker John A. Perez (D-Los Angeles), right, and Assemblyman Tom Ammiano (D-San Francisco) -- said the bill would reduce the bullying of gay students and correct an oversight by history books. (Photo by Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press)
July 6, 2011
Copyright © 2011, Los Angeles Times
Reporting from Sacramento -- Textbooks and history classes in California schools would be required to include the contributions of gays, lesbians and transgender Americans under a proposal given final legislative approval in the Assembly on Tuesday and sent to Gov. Jerry Brown.
The measure sparked a spirited debate, including personal pleas from two openly gay lawmakers — Assembly Speaker John A. Pérez (D-Los Angeles) and Assemblyman Tom Ammiano (D-San Francisco). They said the bill would reduce the bullying of gay students and correct an oversight by history books.
"I don't want to be invisible in a textbook," Ammiano told his colleagues.
Assemblyman Tim Donnelly of San Bernardino was one of several Republicans who spoke against the measure, which he argued was promoting a "homosexual agenda" that many of his constituents do not support.
"As a Christian, I am deeply offended," Donnelly said.
The bill, SB 48, which had already been approved by the state Senate, passed the Assembly on a 49-25 vote. Brown has 12 days to sign or veto the measure, on which he has taken no public position.
The measure sparked a spirited debate, including personal pleas from two openly gay lawmakers — Assembly Speaker John A. Pérez (D-Los Angeles) and Assemblyman Tom Ammiano (D-San Francisco). They said the bill would reduce the bullying of gay students and correct an oversight by history books.
"I don't want to be invisible in a textbook," Ammiano told his colleagues.
Assemblyman Tim Donnelly of San Bernardino was one of several Republicans who spoke against the measure, which he argued was promoting a "homosexual agenda" that many of his constituents do not support.
"As a Christian, I am deeply offended," Donnelly said.
The bill, SB 48, which had already been approved by the state Senate, passed the Assembly on a 49-25 vote. Brown has 12 days to sign or veto the measure, on which he has taken no public position.
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