News from Sacramento

Equality California, California’s LGBT civil rights and advocacy organization, saw their entire 2007 legislative package clear the first major hurdle in the Legislature.  EQCA sponsored nine measures.  All passed either the State Assembly or the Senate by the June 8th deadline.  "By passing allnine bills, the Assembly and the Senate are standing up for fairness and equality under the law for the LGBT community and all Californians," said EQCA Executive Director Geoff Kors.  "The number of proactive LGBT rights billspassed this year is monumental and demonstrates the political gains we have made in California over the last several years." AB43, the Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Protection Act authored by Assembly member Mark Leno, D-San Francisco passed  with a 42-34 vote and once again affirmed that same-sex couples should be able to marry.  The remaining bills will help protect youth in public schools and juvenile justice facilities, provide same-sex couples and domestic partners with the same rights, benefits and protections afforded other loving and committed couples and support all communities by fighting discrimination and bias. "These successes have set the tone for a successful year legislatively for LGBT Californians," (Kors). So keep the momentum going! Check out EQCA's 2007 Legislation Guides for a list and explanation of this year's sponsored bills. Follow up with your state representative and senator. Write, call, email them. Click here for more information about your representatives and how to be heard.