Kevin de Leon on Civil Rights

Ban "Redskins" for school or athletic team name or mascot

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

Prohibit sexual orientation conversion therapy

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).