State of California Archives: on Civil Rights
Adam Gray:
Eliminate "gay panic" tactic for criminal defendants
Legislative Counsel's Digest: A "gay panic" or "trans panic" defense allows a criminal defendant to claim that the victim's sexual orientation or gender identity provoked them to violence. This outrageous tactic sends the message that
violence against members of the LGBT community is understandable or acceptable. These defense tactics also hurt survivors and loved ones of victims by asking the jury to find that the victim's sexual orientation or gender identity excuses the
defendant's actions. AB 2501, the first bill of its kind in the nation, eliminates "gay panic" and "trans panic" as a tactic for criminal defendants, ensuring that attacks on members of the LGBT community can be seen for what they are.
Legislative Outcome: 8/26/14: Passed Senate 25-9-6 on 8/27/14; Passed Assembly 58-15-6; State Rep. Adam Gray voted YES; signed by Gov. Brown
Source: California State Legislature voting records AB2501
Aug 27, 2014
Kevin Mullin:
Ban "Redskins" for school or athletic team name or mascot
Legislative Summary: AB-30: California Racial Mascots Act: This bill would prohibit public schools from using the term Redskins as a school or athletic team name, mascot, or nickname beginning January 1, 2017.Analysis by
EdSource.org: Home to the largest number of American Indians in the country, California is now the first state in the nation to ban the use of "Redskins" as a school team name or mascot. Earlier efforts in 2002 and 2003 were unsuccessful.
Many Native Americans and school climate advocates consider "Redskins" a racial slur. In 2013-14, there were 38,616 students identified as American Indian enrolled in California's public schools. Just four California schools continue to use "Redskins"
as a team name and mascot.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 25-10-5 on Sep/8/2015; Passed Assembly 60-10-10 on Sep/10/2015; State Rep. Kevin Mullin voted YES; Signed by Governor Jerry Brown on Oct/15/2015
Source: EdSource.org on California legislative voting record AB-30
Sep 8, 2015
Adam Gray:
Allow "Redskins" for school or athletic team name or mascot
Legislative Summary: AB-30: California Racial Mascots Act: This bill would prohibit public schools from using the term Redskins as a school or athletic team name, mascot, or nickname beginning January 1, 2017.Analysis by
EdSource.org: Home to the largest number of American Indians in the country, California is now the first state in the nation to ban the use of "Redskins" as a school team name or mascot. Earlier efforts in 2002 and 2003 were unsuccessful.
Many Native Americans and school climate advocates consider "Redskins" a racial slur. In 2013-14, there were 38,616 students identified as American Indian enrolled in California's public schools. Just four California schools continue to use "Redskins"
as a team name and mascot.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 25-10-5 on Sep/8/2015; Passed Assembly 60-10-10 on Sep/10/2015; State Rep. Adam Gray voted NO; Signed by Governor Jerry Brown on Oct/15/2015
Source: EdSource.org on California legislative voting record AB-30
Sep 8, 2015
Alex Padilla:
Eliminate "gay panic" tactic for criminal defendants
Legislative Counsel's Digest: A "gay panic" or "trans panic" defense allows a criminal defendant to claim that the victim's sexual orientation or gender identity provoked them to violence. This outrageous tactic sends the message that
violence against members of the LGBT community is understandable or acceptable. These defense tactics also hurt survivors and loved ones of victims by asking the jury to find that the victim's sexual orientation or gender identity excuses the
defendant's actions. AB 2501, the first bill of its kind in the nation, eliminates "gay panic" and "trans panic" as a tactic for criminal defendants, ensuring that attacks on members of the LGBT community can be seen for what they are.
Legislative Outcome: 8/26/14: Passed Senate 25-9-6 on 8/27/14; State Sen. Alex Padilla voted YES.; Passed Assembly 58-15-6; signed by Gov. Brown
Source: California legislative voting record for AB2501
Aug 27, 2014
Antonio Villaraigosa:
LA's diversity program is "absolutely insufficient"
More than a decade after Los Angeles started trying to sidestep California's affirmative action ban, firms owned by white men won 92 percent of the $2.1 billion in contracts awarded by the city, though they're just 14 percent of the population.
A diversity program in place since 2001 has had little impact because it's rarely enforced, according to critics and city officials. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, elected in 2005, has called it "absolutely insufficient."
A compliance scorecard for 2012 detailed how the second-most populous U.S. city fell short of its own goals for bringing female and minority contractors to 22 percent.
The struggle to shake up the status quo in Los Angeles--which has the
second-highest share of minority residents of the 10 largest cities, at about 71%--underscores the power of prohibitions against preferences for women and traditional minority groups.
Source: Business Week on 2014 California governor's race
May 9, 2013
Arnold Schwarzenegger:
Keep gambling commission independent of tribes
Governor Davis’ recent announcement offering the lead role in selecting two of the five members of the California Gambling Control Commission to the very gaming tribes the commission is in charge of regulating is unfortunate and misguided.
It puts both the commission and the gaming tribes in a very bad position, creating potential questions of conflict and undermining the vital credibility of the commission itself.
The California Gambling Control Commission should be completely independent of any perceived control of the very interests it is supposed to regulate. This is yet another example of Davis putting his own political interest ahead of the public interest.
I oppose this decision and I call upon Governor Davis to immediately reconsider and reverse it.
Source: Statement on California Gambling Control Commission
Aug 30, 2003
Arnold Schwarzenegger:
Expand civil right act to cover orientation & gender
Legislative Summary: AB1400: The Unruh Civil Rights Act prohibits business establishments from discriminating on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, disability, or medical condition. This bill would
further prohibit that discrimination on the basis of marital status or sexual orientation.Bay Area Reporter analysis: The Civil Rights Act of 2005 adds sexual orientation, gender, and marital status to the
Unruh Act, explicitly strengthening nondiscrimination protections to clarify that businesses that provide services, goods or accommodations to the public cannot discriminate against LGBT people.
Legislative Outcome:
Passed Senate 22-16-2 on Aug/22/05; Passed Assembly 48-29-2 on Aug/29/05; Signed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on Sep/29/05
Source: Cal. Youth Connection on California AB1400 voting records
Sep 29, 2005
Brian Dahle:
Don't eliminate "gay panic" tactic for criminal defendants
Legislative Counsel's Digest: A "gay panic" or "trans panic" defense allows a criminal defendant to claim that the victim's sexual orientation or gender identity provoked them to violence. This outrageous tactic sends the message that
violence against members of the LGBT community is understandable or acceptable. These defense tactics also hurt survivors and loved ones of victims by asking the jury to find that the victim's sexual orientation or gender identity excuses the
defendant's actions. AB 2501, the first bill of its kind in the nation, eliminates "gay panic" and "trans panic" as a tactic for criminal defendants, ensuring that attacks on members of the LGBT community can be seen for what they are.
Legislative Outcome: 8/26/14: Passed Senate, 25-9-6; 8/27/14: Passed Assembly, 58-15-6, including NAY vote by Brian Dahle; signed by Governor Brown
Source: California legislative voting records: AB 2501
Aug 27, 2014
Carly Fiorina:
Proud conservative vote for Proposition 8
"I will not run away from [conservative] values," Ms. Fiorina says, noting that she has signed the Americans for Tax Reform pledge against higher taxes and voted for Proposition 8 last year, which banned same-sex marriage in the state. On abortion, Ms.
Fiorina says she is "proudly pro-life" and a strong opponent of taxpayer funding of abortions. But her views also carry some nuance. She notes she created a strong program of domestic partner benefits while at HP.
Source: Wall Street Journal, "Reboot California"
Nov 30, 2009
Connie Conway:
Voted NO on prohibiting sexual orientation repair therapy
Excerpts from Legislative Counsel's Digest:The Legislature finds the following:- Being lesbian, gay, or bisexual is not a disease, disorder, illness, deficiency, or shortcoming.
- The American Psychological Association advises
avoiding sexual orientation change efforts that portray homosexuality as a mental illness or developmental disorder and to seek services that reduce rejection of sexual minority youth.
- The potential risks of reparative therapy are great, including
depression, anxiety and self-destructive behavior, since therapist alignment with societal prejudices against homosexuality may reinforce self-hatred already experienced by the patient.
- California has a compelling interest in protecting its minors
against exposure to serious harms caused by sexual orientation change efforts.
Legislative Outcome:Passed Senate, 23-13-4; passed Assembly 52 -22-6; Approved by the Governor 9/30/2012 (Connie Conway voted NAY).
Source: California legislative voting records: SB 1172
Aug 30, 2012
David Hadley:
Ban "Redskins" for school or athletic team name or mascot
Legislative Summary: AB-30: California Racial Mascots Act: This bill would prohibit public schools from using the term Redskins as a school or athletic team name, mascot, or nickname beginning January 1, 2017.Analysis by
EdSource.org: Home to the largest number of American Indians in the country, California is now the first state in the nation to ban the use of "Redskins" as a school team name or mascot. Earlier efforts in 2002 and 2003 were unsuccessful.
Many Native Americans and school climate advocates consider "Redskins" a racial slur. In 2013-14, there were 38,616 students identified as American Indian enrolled in California's public schools. Just four California schools continue to use "Redskins"
as a team name and mascot.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 25-10-5 on Sep/8/2015; Passed Assembly 60-10-10 on Sep/10/2015; State Rep. David Hadley voted YES; Signed by Governor Jerry Brown on Oct/15/2015
Source: EdSource.org on California legislative voting record AB-30
Sep 10, 2015
David Valadao:
Voted NO on prohibiting sexual orientation repair therapy
Excerpts from Legislative Counsel's Digest:The Legislature finds the following:- Being lesbian, gay, or bisexual is not a disease, disorder, illness, deficiency, or shortcoming.
- The American Psychological Association advises
avoiding sexual orientation change efforts that portray homosexuality as a mental illness or developmental disorder and to seek services that reduce rejection of sexual minority youth.
- The potential risks of reparative therapy are great, including
depression, anxiety and self-destructive behavior, since therapist alignment with societal prejudices against homosexuality may reinforce self-hatred already experienced by the patient.
- California has a compelling interest in protecting its minors
against exposure to serious harms caused by sexual orientation change efforts.
Status:Passed Senate, 23-13-4; passed Assembly 52 -22-6; Approved by the Governor 9/30/2012 (David Valadao voted NAY).
Source: California legislative voting records: SB 1172
Aug 28, 2012
Delaine Eastin:
Protect equal rights for all
We must use the full force of California state law to protect our most vulnerable populations under attack from those who are currently leading our country:
the disabled, immigrants, LGBTQ, people of color and our California dreamers.
Source: 2018 California Gubernatorial website DelaineForGovernor.com
Sep 1, 2017
Duf Sundheim:
Supports same-sex marriage
Republicans are poised to field a pro-abortion, same-sex marriage-supporting Senate candidate, testing the theory that they might be relevant if only they'd concede defeat on social issues. Duf Sundheim, a self-described `balding 60 year-old white guy,`
says, `For a lot of people, [abortion and gay marriage] are gating issues; it sends a broader message about whether you're inclusive, whether you're a good listener, whether you're able to identify with people and you're able to share their concerns.`
Source: Washington Examiner on 2016 California Senate race
Jun 4, 2015
Gavin Newsom:
Early supporter for gay marriage
He certainly showed daring while mayor of [San Francisco]. He's probably best remembered there for ordering city hall officials to issue marriage licenses for
same-sex couples. "We changed the whole trajectory of the debate on that subject, and look how far it has come," he said.
Source: The Union on 2018 California gubernatorial race
Jul 31, 2017
Gavin Newsom:
Supports affirmative action
Newsom's spokesman stressed that the lieutenant governor believes in affirmative action policies to expand opportunity and ensure public institutions reflect the state's diversity.
As San Francisco mayor, Newsom joined with then-Supervisor Tom Ammiano on legislation to protect affirmative action for city contracts after a judge in 2004 ruled the city's policy was illegal.
Source: The Sacramento Bee on 2018 California gubernatorial race
Nov 17, 2017
Jerome Horton:
Expand civil right act to cover orientation & gender
Legislative Summary: AB1400: The Unruh Civil Rights Act prohibits business establishments from discriminating on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, disability, or medical condition. This bill would
further prohibit that discrimination on the basis of marital status or sexual orientation.Bay Area Reporter analysis: The Civil Rights Act of 2005 adds sexual orientation, gender, and marital status to the
Unruh Act, explicitly strengthening nondiscrimination protections to clarify that businesses that provide services, goods or accommodations to the public cannot discriminate against LGBT people.
Legislative Outcome:
Passed Senate 22-16-2 on Aug/22/05; Passed Assembly 48-29-2 on Aug/29/05; State Rep. Jerome Horton voted YES; Signed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on Sep/29/05
Source: Cal. Youth Connection on California AB1400 voting records
Aug 29, 2005
Jerry Brown:
Prohibit sexual orientation conversion therapy
Excerpts from Legislative Counsel's Digest: The Legislature finds the following:- Being lesbian, gay, or bisexual is not a disease, disorder, illness, deficiency, or shortcoming.
The American Psychological Association advises
avoiding sexual orientation change efforts that portray homosexuality as a mental illness or developmental disorder and to seek services that reduce rejection of sexual minority youth.
- The potential risks of reparative therapy are great, including
depression, anxiety and self-destructive behavior, since therapist alignment with societal prejudices against homosexuality may reinforce self-hatred already experienced by the patient.
California has a compelling interest in protecting its minors
against exposure to serious harms caused by sexual orientation change efforts.
Status:Passed Senate, 23-13-4; passed Assembly 52 -22-6; Approved by the Governor 9/30/2012.
Source: California legislative voting records: SB 1172
Sep 30, 2012
Jerry Brown:
Eliminate "gay panic" tactic for criminal defendants
Legislative Counsel's Digest: A "gay panic" or "trans panic" defense allows a criminal defendant to claim that the victim's sexual orientation or gender identity provoked them to violence. This outrageous tactic sends the message that
violence against members of the LGBT community is understandable or acceptable. These defense tactics also hurt survivors and loved ones of victims by asking the jury to find that the victim's sexual orientation or gender identity excuses the
defendant's actions. AB 2501, the first bill of its kind in the nation, eliminates "gay panic" and "trans panic" as a tactic for criminal defendants, ensuring that attacks on members of the LGBT community can be seen for what they are.
Legislative Outcome: 8/26/14: Passed Senate, 25-9-6; 8/27/14: Passed Assembly, 58-15-6; signed by Governor Brown
Source: California legislative voting records for AB 2501
Aug 27, 2014
Jerry Brown:
Ban "Redskins" for school or athletic team name or mascot
Legislative Summary: AB-30: California Racial Mascots Act: This bill would prohibit public schools from using the term Redskins as a school or athletic team name, mascot, or nickname beginning January 1, 2017.Analysis by
EdSource.org: Home to the largest number of American Indians in the country, California is now the first state in the nation to ban the use of "Redskins" as a school team name or mascot. Earlier efforts in 2002 and 2003 were unsuccessful.
Many Native Americans and school climate advocates consider "Redskins" a racial slur. In 2013-14, there were 38,616 students identified as American Indian enrolled in California's public schools. Just four California schools continue to use "Redskins"
as a team name and mascot.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Assembly 60-10-10 on Sep/10/2015; Passed Senate 25-10-5 on Sep/8/2015; Signed by Governor Jerry Brown on Oct/15/2015
Source: EdSource.org on California legislative voting record AB-30
Oct 15, 2015
Jimmy Gomez:
Eliminate "gay panic" tactic for criminal defendants
Legislative Counsel's Digest: A "gay panic" or "trans panic" defense allows a criminal defendant to claim that the victim's sexual orientation or gender identity provoked them to violence. This outrageous tactic sends the message that
violence against members of the LGBT community is understandable or acceptable. These defense tactics also hurt survivors and loved ones of victims by asking the jury to find that the victim's sexual orientation or gender identity excuses the
defendant's actions. AB 2501, the first bill of its kind in the nation, eliminates "gay panic" and "trans panic" as a tactic for criminal defendants, ensuring that attacks on members of the LGBT community can be seen for what they are.
Legislative Outcome: 8/26/14: Passed Senate, 25-9-6; 8/27/14: Passed Assembly, 58-15-6, including AYE vote by Rep. Jimmy Gomez; signed by Gov. Brown
Source: California legislative voting records for AB 2501
Aug 27, 2014
John Chiang:
Supports affirmative action
Chiang, whose parents immigrated from Taiwan, said it's important to come to affirmative action "with a mindset that is about expanding opportunities for everyone and not about promoting divisiveness among different communities...
I support affirmative action to increase opportunities for qualified candidates and to reverse the negative effects caused by years of discrimination to ensure minorities are represented at schools and in the workforce."
Source: The Sacramento Bee on 2018 California gubernatorial race
Jul 27, 2017
John Chiang:
Outspoken in support of gay rights
There are many LGBT issues that I've worked on such as youth homelessness and fair and equitable tax benefits for same sex couples. However, at the end of the day,
#NationalComingOutDay is about one thing that will always prevail: love and kindness. We need more of it, now more than ever. Take pride in who you are and know that I'm proud of you for being YOU.
Source: Facebook posting on 2018 California gubernatorial race
Oct 11, 2017
Julia Brownley:
Supports affirmative action
Q: Do you support the state's use of affirmative action?A: Yes.
Q: Do you support the inclusion of sexual orientation in California's anti-discrimination laws?
A: Yes.
Source: California Congressional 2010 Political Courage Test
Oct 30, 2010
Julia Brownley:
Supports same-sex domestic partnerships & marriage
Q: Should marriage only be between one man and one woman?A: No.
Q: Should California allow same-sex couples to form domestic partnerships?
A: Yes.
Q: Do you support the inclusion of sexual orientation in California's anti-discrimination laws?
A: Yes.
Q: Do you support the inclusion of gender identity in California's anti-discrimination laws?
A: Yes.
Source: California Congressional 2010 Political Courage Test
Oct 30, 2010
Kamala Harris:
Eliminate "gay panic" tactic for criminal defendants
Legislative Counsel's Digest: A "gay panic" or "trans panic" defense allows a criminal defendant to claim that the victim's sexual orientation or gender identity provoked them to violence. This outrageous tactic sends the message that
violence against members of the LGBT community is understandable or acceptable. These defense tactics also hurt survivors and loved ones of victims by asking the jury to find that the victim's sexual orientation or gender identity excuses the
defendant's actions. AB 2501, the first bill of its kind in the nation, eliminates "gay panic" and "trans panic" as a tactic for criminal defendants, ensuring that attacks on members of the LGBT community can be seen for what they are.
Legislative Outcome: Co-sponsored by Attorney General Kamala D. Harris; 8/26/14: Passed Senate, 25-9-6; 8/27/14: Passed Assembly, 58-15-6; signed by Governor Brown
Source: California legislative voting records for AB 2501
Aug 27, 2014
Kamala Harris:
Refused to defend Prop. 8 gay marriage ban
There's no love lost between Kamala Harris and Proposition 8. San Francisco's District Attorney, soon to be California's Attorney General, made her position clear this week: when Prop 8 comes to the 9th Circuit court of appeals, her office will not
defend the marriage ban. Harris has stated that she believes the law is unconstitutional because it violates the equal-protection clause in the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution.
Source: NBC Bay Area: California legislative voting records: Prop. 8
Dec 2, 2010
Kevin de Leon:
Prohibit sexual orientation conversion therapy
Excerpts from Legislative Counsel's Digest: The Legislature finds the following:- Being lesbian, gay, or bisexual is not a disease, disorder, illness, deficiency, or shortcoming.
The American Psychological Association advises
avoiding sexual orientation change efforts that portray homosexuality as a mental illness or developmental disorder and to seek services that reduce rejection of sexual minority youth.
- The potential risks of reparative therapy are great, including
depression, anxiety and self-destructive behavior, since therapist alignment with societal prejudices against homosexuality may reinforce self-hatred already experienced by the patient.
California has a compelling interest in protecting its minors
against exposure to serious harms caused by sexual orientation change efforts.
Status:Passed Senate, 23-13-4; passed Assembly 52 -22-6; Approved by the Governor 9/30/2012 (Kevin de Leon voted YEA).
Source: California legislative voting records: SB 1172
Aug 30, 2012
Kevin de Leon:
Ban "Redskins" for school or athletic team name or mascot
Legislative Summary: AB-30: California Racial Mascots Act: This bill would prohibit public schools from using the term Redskins as a school or athletic team name, mascot, or nickname beginning January 1, 2017.Analysis by
EdSource.org: Home to the largest number of American Indians in the country, California is now the first state in the nation to ban the use of "Redskins" as a school team name or mascot. Earlier efforts in 2002 and 2003 were unsuccessful.
Many Native Americans and school climate advocates consider "Redskins" a racial slur. In 2013-14, there were 38,616 students identified as American Indian enrolled in California's public schools. Just four California schools continue to use "Redskins"
as a team name and mascot.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 25-10-5 on Sep/8/2015; State Sen. Kevin De Leon voted YES; Passed Assembly 60-10-10 on Sep/10/2015; Signed by Governor Jerry Brown on Oct/15/2015
Source: EdSource.org on California legislative voting record AB-30
Sep 8, 2015
Kevin Faulconer:
Supported same-sex marriage, LGBTQ rights legislation
He has been described as the strongest San Diego mayor on LGBTQ issues and was one of the rare Republican elected officials to publicly support same-sex marriage.
He called on Congress to adopt sweeping federal LGBTQ rights legislation and backed campaigns to honor LGBTQ luminaries with their own postage stamps.
Source: Bay Area Reporter on 2022 California gubernatorial race
Feb 17, 2021
Loretta Sanchez:
Met with Indian American group leaders upon entering race
Two days after entering the race for the U.S. Senate, Rep. Loretta Sanchez (D-CA) met with an Indian American group on Saturday and mimicked a racial stereotype of American Indians. Said Sanchez: "I am going to his office, thinking that I am going to
meet with a," she said, holding her hand in front of her mouth and making an echo sound. "Right? . because he said Indian American."Responded primary rival Kamala Harris: "I don't know what to say to that."
Source: Sacramento Bee coverage of 2015 California Senate race
May 17, 2015
Lou Correa:
Eliminate "gay panic" tactic for criminal defendants
Legislative Counsel's Digest: A "gay panic" or "trans panic" defense allows a criminal defendant to claim that the victim's sexual orientation or gender identity provoked them to violence. This outrageous tactic sends the message that
violence against members of the LGBT community is understandable or acceptable. These defense tactics also hurt survivors and loved ones of victims by asking the jury to find that the victim's sexual orientation or gender identity excuses the
defendant's actions. AB 2501, the first bill of its kind in the nation, eliminates "gay panic" and "trans panic" as a tactic for criminal defendants, ensuring that attacks on members of the LGBT community can be seen for what they are.
Legislative Outcome: 8/26/14: Passed Senate, 25-9-6; 8/27/14: Passed Assembly, 58-15-6, including AYE vote by Rep. Lou Correa; signed by Governor Brown
Source: California legislative voting records for AB 2501
Aug 27, 2014
Mark DeSaulnier:
Prohibit sexual orientation conversion therapy
Excerpts from Legislative Counsel's Digest: The Legislature finds the following:- Being lesbian, gay, or bisexual is not a disease, disorder, illness, deficiency, or shortcoming.
The American Psychological Association advises
avoiding sexual orientation change efforts that portray homosexuality as a mental illness or developmental disorder and to seek services that reduce rejection of sexual minority youth.
- The potential risks of reparative therapy are great, including
depression, anxiety and self-destructive behavior, since therapist alignment with societal prejudices against homosexuality may reinforce self-hatred already experienced by the patient.
California has a compelling interest in protecting its minors
against exposure to serious harms caused by sexual orientation change efforts.
Status:Passed Senate, 23-13-4; passed Assembly 52 -22-6; Approved by the Governor 9/30/2012 (DeSaulnier voted YEA).
Source: California legislative voting records: SB 1172
Aug 30, 2012
Michael Eisen:
Study gender bias in scientific publications
Last week there was a brief but interesting conversation on Twitter about the practice of "co-first" authors on scientific papers that led me to do some research on the relationship between author order and gender using data from the NIH's Public Access
Policy. Some main things I found:- The number of female authors falls off as you go down the list of authors of a paper, with fewer than 30% of senior authors female.
- Contrary to my expectation, there doesn't seem to be a bias to put the male
author first when there are male-female co-first author pairs.
- There are, however, far fewer male-female co-first author pairs than there should be based on the number of male and female first and second authors.
- The same thing holds true more
generally for first-second author pairs. There is a deficit of cross gender pairs and a surplus of same gender pairs.
Part (and maybe most) of this effect is due to an overall skew in gender composition of authors on papers.
Source: 2018 California Senate campaign website MichaelEisen.org
Sep 28, 2016
Mimi Walters:
Voted NO on prohibiting sexual orientation repair therapy
Excerpts from Legislative Counsel's Digest: The Legislature finds the following:- Being lesbian, gay, or bisexual is not a disease, disorder, illness, deficiency, or shortcoming.
The American Psychological Association advises
avoiding sexual orientation change efforts that portray homosexuality as a mental illness or developmental disorder and to seek services that reduce rejection of sexual minority youth.
- The potential risks of reparative therapy are great, including
depression, anxiety and self-destructive behavior, since therapist alignment with societal prejudices against homosexuality may reinforce self-hatred already experienced by the patient.
California has a compelling interest in protecting its minors
against exposure to serious harms caused by sexual orientation change efforts.
Status:Passed Senate, 23-13-4; passed Assembly 52 -22-6; Approved by the Governor 9/30/2012 (Mimi Walters voted NAY).
Source: California legislative voting records: SB 1172
Aug 30, 2012
Mimi Walters:
Don't expand civil right act to cover orientation & gender
Legislative Summary: AB1400: The Unruh Civil Rights Act prohibits business establishments from discriminating on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, disability, or medical condition. This bill would
further prohibit that discrimination on the basis of marital status or sexual orientation.Bay Area Reporter analysis: The Civil Rights Act of 2005 adds sexual orientation, gender, and marital status to the
Unruh Act, explicitly strengthening nondiscrimination protections to clarify that businesses that provide services, goods or accommodations to the public cannot discriminate against LGBT people.
Legislative Outcome:
Passed Senate 22-16-2 on Aug/22/05; Passed Assembly 48-29-2 on Aug/29/05; State Rep. Mimi Walters voted NO; Signed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on Sep/29/05
Source: Cal. Youth Connection on California AB1400 voting records
Aug 29, 2005
Neel Kashkari:
Supports gay marriage
Kashkari is fiscally conservative, but supports abortion rights and gay marriage. He owns a gun, but he's in favor of requiring background checks before all firearms sales. In the coming weeks, Kashkari's favorability among the state's
Republican and independent voters will be tested. Kashkari is a multimillionaire, but he said he does not have enough personal wealth to self-fund a campaign like GOP gubernatorial candidate Meg Whitman did in 2010.
Source: Mercury News on 2014 California Gubernatorial race
Jan 21, 2014
Norma Torres:
Recognize out-of-state same-sex marriages
State Senate record on gay rights issues:- Torres voted YEA on May 29, 2013 on bill SB 323
Prohibits Tax-Exempt Status for Organizations that Discriminate Based on Sexual Orientation
Bill passed Senate (27-9) - Torres voted YEA on
April 30, 2012 on bill AB 1960
Requires the Department of Transportation to Include Sexual Orientation Reported by Business Owners
Bill passed House (48-25) - Torres voted YEA on Sept. 2, 2011 on bill AB 887
Prohibits Discrimination
Against Transgendered Individuals
Concurrence Vote Passed-House (51-25) - Torres voted YEA on Aug. 22, 2011 on bill AB 433
Birth Certificates for Transgendered Individuals Concurrence
Vote Passed House (51-26) - Torres voted YEA on
July 5, 2011 on bill SB 48
Requires Teaching Gay History
Bill passed House (50-26) - Torres voted YEA on Sept. 3, 2009 on bill SB 54
Recognizing Out-of-State Same-Sex Marriages
Bill passed House (47-29)
Source: Vote Smart synopses: 2014 California state voting records
Sep 9, 2014
Norma Torres:
Prohibit sexual orientation conversion therapy
Excerpts from Legislative Counsel's Digest: The Legislature finds the following:- Being lesbian, gay, or bisexual is not a disease, disorder, illness, deficiency, or shortcoming.
The American Psychological Association advises
avoiding sexual orientation change efforts that portray homosexuality as a mental illness or developmental disorder and to seek services that reduce rejection of sexual minority youth.
- The potential risks of reparative therapy are great, including
depression, anxiety and self-destructive behavior, since therapist alignment with societal prejudices against homosexuality may reinforce self-hatred already experienced by the patient.
California has a compelling interest in protecting its minors
against exposure to serious harms caused by sexual orientation change efforts.
Status:Passed Senate, 23-13-4; passed Assembly 52 -22-6; Approved by the Governor 9/30/2012 (Norma Torres voted YEA).
Source: California legislative voting records: SB 1172
Aug 30, 2012
Ro Khanna:
Ensure full equality for LGBTQ Americans
Providing equal rights for LGBTQ individuals is something that I will never compromise on. Our founding fathers wrote the Declaration of Independence and Constitution recognizing the fundamental importance of equality. But we have failed to live up
to this ideal--the denial of equal and full rights to all Americans continues to be a source of great injustice in our society. Even though we have a long road ahead, I was encouraged by the Supreme Court's ruling that affirmed that all loving
and committed couples who marry deserve equal respect and treatment under federal law, in addition to its ruling on California's Proposition 8, allowing same sex marriage to resume in our state.Progress toward marriage equality in our country
is evident, but there is much more to do in order to ensure full equality for LGBTQ Americans. We must address workplace discrimination, youth homelessness, school bullying, and health disparities affecting LGBTQ communities.
Source: 2016 California House campaign website RoKhanna.com
Nov 8, 2016
Rob Bonta:
Ban "Redskins" for school or athletic team name or mascot
Legislative Summary: AB-30: California Racial Mascots Act: This bill would prohibit public schools from using the term Redskins as a school or athletic team name, mascot, or nickname beginning January 1, 2017.Analysis by
EdSource.org: Home to the largest number of American Indians in the country, California is now the first state in the nation to ban the use of "Redskins" as a school team name or mascot. Earlier efforts in 2002 and 2003 were unsuccessful.
Many Native Americans and school climate advocates consider "Redskins" a racial slur. In 2013-14, there were 38,616 students identified as American Indian enrolled in California's public schools. Just four California schools continue to use "Redskins"
as a team name and mascot.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 25-10-5 on Sep/8/2015; Rep. Rob Bonta voted YEA; Passed Assembly 60-10-10 on Sep/10/2015; Signed by Governor Jerry Brown on Oct/15/2015
Source: EdSource.org on California voting records AB30
Sep 8, 2015
Rob Bonta:
Eliminate "gay panic" tactic for criminal defendants
Legislative Counsel's Digest: A "gay panic" or "trans panic" defense allows a criminal defendant to claim that the victim's sexual orientation or gender identity provoked them to violence. This outrageous tactic sends the message
that violence against members of the LGBT community is understandable or acceptable. These defense tactics also hurt survivors and loved ones of victims by asking the jury to find that the victim's sexual orientation or gender identity
excuses the defendant's actions. AB 2501, the first bill of its kind in the nation, eliminates "gay panic" and "trans panic" as a tactic for criminal defendants, ensuring that attacks on members of the LGBT community can be seen for what they are.
Legislative Outcome: 8/26/14: Passed Senate, 25-9-6; 8/27/14: Passed Assembly, 58-15-6; Rep. Rob Bonta voted YEA; signed by Governor Brown
Source: California legislative voting records AB2501
Apr 22, 2014
Rocky Chavez:
Moderate who supports gay marriage
Chavez, 63, is a retired Marine Corps colonel and former Oceanside councilman.
He has won a reputation as a moderate, speaking up in support of immigration, gay marriage and the science of climate change.
Source: LA Weekly on 2016 California Senate race
Mar 5, 2015
Rocky Chavez:
Ban "Redskins" for school or athletic team name or mascot
Legislative Summary: AB-30: California Racial Mascots Act: This bill would prohibit public schools from using the term Redskins as a school or athletic team name, mascot, or nickname beginning January 1, 2017.Analysis by
EdSource.org: Home to the largest number of American Indians in the country, California is now the first state in the nation to ban the use of "Redskins" as a school team name or mascot. Earlier efforts in 2002 and 2003 were unsuccessful.
Many Native Americans and school climate advocates consider "Redskins" a racial slur. In 2013-14, there were 38,616 students identified as American Indian enrolled in California's public schools. Just four California schools continue to use "Redskins"
as a team name and mascot.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 25-10-5 on Sep/8/2015; Passed Assembly 60-10-10 on Sep/10/2015; State Rep. Rocky Chavez voted YES; Signed by Governor Jerry Brown on Oct/15/2015
Source: EdSource.org on California legislative voting record AB-30
Sep 10, 2015
Steve Farley:
Race should be a consideration, not only one
In California, affirmative action is banned among the state's public universities but recent efforts by state legislators have called for the ban to be lifted. "I support affirmative action, but we have to make it clear it's not about quotas.
A lot of people misinterpret affirmative action as quotas. I want to make sure we expect that you can take race as a consideration--certainly not the only consideration and it shouldn't be the sole consideration," he said.
Source: NBC News on 2018 California gubernatorial race
Aug 23, 2017
Steve Knight:
Marriage is a union of one man and one woman
Q: Marriage is a union of one man and one woman? No government has the authority to alter this definition?
Knight: Strongly Agree
Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide on 2014 California House race
Sep 30, 2014
Steve Knight:
Voted NO on prohibiting sexual orientation repair therapy
Excerpts from Legislative Counsel's Digest: The Legislature finds the following:- Being lesbian, gay, or bisexual is not a disease, disorder, illness, deficiency, or shortcoming.
The American Psychological Association advises
avoiding sexual orientation change efforts that portray homosexuality as a mental illness or developmental disorder and to seek services that reduce rejection of sexual minority youth.
- The potential risks of reparative therapy are great, including
depression, anxiety and self-destructive behavior, since therapist alignment with societal prejudices against homosexuality may reinforce self-hatred already experienced by the patient.
California has a compelling interest in protecting its minors
against exposure to serious harms caused by sexual orientation change efforts.
Status:Passed Senate, 23-13-4; passed Assembly 52 -22-6; Approved by the Governor 9/30/2012 (Steve Knight voted NAY).
Source: California legislative voting records: SB 1172
Aug 28, 2012
Ted Lieu:
Overturn the federal ban on same-sex marriage
Ted Lieu is has repeatedly fought for social justice and equality: - Supported every landmark marriage equality bill and coauthored HR 5 which sought to overturn the federal ban on same-sex marriage.
- SB 1172, a first-in-the-nation ban on the
harmful practice of the so- called "reparative therapy" on minors, a law that is now being replicated around the country. (Author, Chapter 835, Statutes of 2012)
- SB 757 required health insurers to cover domestic partners regardless of where they
are licensed. (Author, Chapter 722, Statutes of 2011)
Ted Lieu's social justice priorities:- Ensure every person has the right to marry, regardless of sexual orientation.
- Champion and pass the Employment Non-Discrimination
Act to provide basic protections against workplace discrimination.
- Enact protections for students who experience bullying in schools due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Source: 2014 California House campaign website, TedLieu.com
Oct 10, 2014
Ted Lieu:
Strengthen equal pay laws & diversity
Ted Lieu is has repeatedly fought for social justice and equality: -
Increased diversity in California's Judicial Branch championing political appointments that are representative of all Californians.
- Expand efforts to support women in the workplace by strengthening equal pay laws.
Source: 2014 California House campaign website, TedLieu.com
Oct 10, 2014
Ted Lieu:
Prohibit sexual orientation conversion therapy
Excerpts from Legislative Counsel's Digest: The Legislature finds the following:- Being lesbian, gay, or bisexual is not a disease, disorder, illness, deficiency, or shortcoming.
The American Psychological Association advises
avoiding sexual orientation change efforts that portray homosexuality as a mental illness or developmental disorder and to seek services that reduce rejection of sexual minority youth.
- The potential risks of reparative therapy are great, including
depression, anxiety and self-destructive behavior, since therapist alignment with societal prejudices against homosexuality may reinforce self-hatred already experienced by the patient.
California has a compelling interest in protecting its minors
against exposure to serious harms caused by sexual orientation change efforts.
Status:Passed Senate, 23-13-4; passed Assembly 52 -22-6; Approved by the Governor 9/30/2012 (Ted Lieu voted YEA).
Source: California legislative voting records: SB 1172
Aug 30, 2012
TJ Cox:
LGBTQ deserve equal rights and protections
[On gay rights]: "I am proud to receive the endorsement of Equality California," said TJ Cox. "Our LGBTQ sons, daughters, brothers and sisters deserve equal rights and protections --
from working without fear of discrimination to serving openly in our military without fear of reprisal. In Congress, I will stand up and fight for those rights and freedoms."
Source: Equality California 2020 CA-21 House endorsement
Apr 12, 2018
Tom Del Beccaro:
Keep Proposition 8; but open to debate on gay marriage
[Repeal of Proposition 8: Supporters of same-sex marriage rights in California launched a petition drive in 2011 to qualify a repeal measure for the state's 2012 ballot.] As the legal debate over Proposition 8 comes to a head in the nation's high court,
Del Beccaro predicted that gay marriage will continue to be a `difficult issue for a lot of Republicans` for years to come.Dozens of prominent Republicans recently signed a brief urging the US Supreme Court to declare Proposition 8 unconstitutional.
Del Beccaro, who supports Proposition 8, acknowledged that public opinion on gay marriage is shifting--with support in California inching over 60%--but said he expects GOP candidates to continue to hold different views on the issue. He said,
however, he doesn't `think that issue alone defines the party by any stretch.` He concluded, `I think you're going to find that the Republican Party is going to have members on all sides of this issue; it's going to be debated for years to come.`
Source: Sacramento Bee on 2016 California Senate race
Mar 2, 2013
Travis Allen:
Prohibit sexual orientation conversion therapy
Excerpts from Legislative Counsel's Digest: The Legislature finds the following:- Being lesbian, gay, or bisexual is not a disease, disorder, illness, deficiency, or shortcoming.
The American Psychological Association advises
avoiding sexual orientation change efforts that portray homosexuality as a mental illness or developmental disorder and to seek services that reduce rejection of sexual minority youth.
- The potential risks of reparative therapy are great, including
depression, anxiety and self-destructive behavior, since therapist alignment with societal prejudices against homosexuality may reinforce self-hatred already experienced by the patient.
California has a compelling interest in protecting its minors
against exposure to serious harms caused by sexual orientation change efforts.
Status:Passed Senate, 23-13-4; passed Assembly 52 -22-6; Approved by the Governor 9/30/2012 (Travis Allen voted YEA).
Source: California legislative voting records: SB 1172
Aug 28, 2012
Xavier Becerra:
Protect transgender students and adults
Attorney General Becerra is committed to protecting the rights of all people. Recognizing that discrimination has no place in our society,
Attorney General Becerra is fighting to protect transgender students and adults across the nation, and strictly enforcing the recently enacted California law that prohibits state-funded travel to states that discriminate against LGBTQ communities.
Source: California Attorney General website: Press Release
Dec 16, 2020
Young Kim:
Ban "Redskins" for school or athletic team name or mascot
Legislative Summary: AB-30: California Racial Mascots Act: This bill would prohibit public schools from using the term Redskins as a school or athletic team name, mascot, or nickname beginning January 1, 2017.Analysis by
EdSource.org: Home to the largest number of American Indians in the country, California is now the first state in the nation to ban the use of "Redskins" as a school team name or mascot. Earlier efforts in 2002 and 2003 were unsuccessful.
Many Native Americans and school climate advocates consider "Redskins" a racial slur. In 2013-14, there were 38,616 students identified as American Indian enrolled in California's public schools. Just four California schools continue to use "Redskins"
as a team name and mascot.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 25-10-5 on Sep/8/2015; Passed Assembly 60-10-10 on Sep/10/2015; State Rep. Young Kim voted YES; Signed by Governor Jerry Brown on Oct/15/2015
Source: EdSource.org on California legislative voting record AB-30
Sep 10, 2015
Page last updated: Feb 18, 2023