Bigots Say "NO EQUALITY FOR KIDS!!!!!"

tristanrobin · 10-21-2007, 07:46 PM

Conservative Groups Target Calif. Students Rights Act by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff Posted: October 21, 2007 - 1:00 pm ET
(San Francisco, California) Socially conservative groups have begun a petition drive to repeal legislation that would protect California students from bias.
The Student Civil Rights Act was signed last week by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. (story) It would protect students from harassment and bullying in public schools by making sure teachers and school administrators understand their responsibilities to protect youth.
Students, under the legislation, would be protected on the basis of gender, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion and sexual orientation.
It also requires the state to ensure teachers and school administrators fully understand their responsibilities to protect youth.
The measures are similar to legislation rejected last year by Schwarzenegger who at the time said it was vague and potentially confusing and was redundant because California's education code already prohibits discrimination in schools. (story)
Opponents of the legislation lashed out at Schwarzenegger for signing the bill this month. The groups behind the petition drive are the same as those who fought and lost an attempt in the state Supreme Court to overturn California's domestic partner law.
They have filed the schools act petition with the state Attorney General's office which must give it a title and summary.
Once it is given a title, the petitioners will have 150 days to circulate petitions and collect 433,971 valid voter signatures in order to qualify the referendum for the ballot.
"It is ironic that an organization that alleges to promote 'family values' has chosen to fight a law that will protect all California youth based on religion, race, nationality and gender, not just sexual orientation," said Equality California Executive Director Geoff Kors.
"In a desperate attempt to deny full equality to people - and in this case, youth - who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, right wing extremists continue to wage a misguided attack on the Student Civil Rights Act..
Supporters of the repeal referendum argue the legislation would force schools to allow boys to use girls' washrooms or run for homecoming queen.
"They are using fear-based tactics and deceptive propaganda to repeal legislation that has already received the approval of the Legislature and Gov. Schwarzenegger," said Kors.
The legislation is slated to go into effect January 1. If the petitioners get enough signatures to force the issue onto the ballot implementation would would be delayed.
The act was one of several pro-gay bills signed by the governor after vetoing legislation that would have allowed gay and lesbian couples in the state to marry. (story)
One of those bills, the Safe Place to Learn Act, requires the Department of Education to monitor the way schools adhere to the state's anti-bias laws
The governor also signed a bill that bans discrimination in government services based on sexual orientation and gender identity. And he signed legislation that provides safeguards to protect LGBT youth from abuse and mistreatment in California's Department of Juvenile Justice facilities.
Earlier this year, Schwarzenegger signed legislation allowing same-sex couples to hare a common surname and a bill making it easier to couples to file state income tax.

garysher · 10-21-2007, 08:10 PM

Yet another attempt by the CA legislature to go against the wishes of the people who elected them.

We don't want our children co-erced into thinking that there's nothing wrong with homosexuality or gender confusion.

We don't want a boy becoming Homecoming Queen or Prom Queen.

Don't let these perverted minority groups corrupt the minds of our youth any further.

forester814 · 10-22-2007, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tristanrobin

The Student Civil Rights Act was signed last week by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. (story) It would protect students from harassment and bullying in public schools by making sure teachers and school administrators understand their responsibilities to protect youth.
Students, under the legislation, would be protected on the basis of gender, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion and sexual orientation.
It also requires the state to ensure teachers and school administrators fully understand their responsibilities to protect youth.

The act was one of several pro-gay bills signed by the governor after vetoing legislation that would have allowed gay and lesbian couples in the state to marry. (story)
One of those bills, the Safe Place to Learn Act, requires the Department of Education to monitor the way schools adhere to the state's anti-bias laws
The governor also signed a bill that bans discrimination in government services based on sexual orientation and gender identity. And he signed legislation that provides safeguards to protect LGBT youth from abuse and mistreatment in California's Department of Juvenile Justice facilities.
Earlier this year, Schwarzenegger signed legislation allowing same-sex couples to hare a common surname and a bill making it easier to couples to file state income tax.

It sounds to me like Arnold is finally starting to change his tune on LGBT rights. I'd like to think this means he is maturing as a person, becoming wiser as time goes on.

But the cynic in me wonders if he is up for re-election soon, and just wants the LGBT voters to forget about his shameful and ignorant gay marriage vetos.

fxashun · 10-22-2007, 11:01 AM

Why wouldn't he veto the bills when the public already voted againt "gay marriage"? It seems the legislators are the shameful and ignorant ones. "Gay rights" and "Gay marriage" are separate issues.

tristanrobin · 10-22-2007, 11:01 AM

I doubt anybody is going to forget LOL

But, I do think he's doing the classic GOP deceit game. He can "protect" marriage for the bigots - sign "protection" for gays - and get EVERYBODY'S votes.

forester814 · 10-22-2007, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tristanrobin

I doubt anybody is going to forget LOL

But, I do think he's doing the classic GOP deceit game. He can "protect" marriage for the bigots - sign "protection" for gays - and get EVERYBODY'S votes.

I agree completely, Tristan. Americans, in general, have short memories, but when it comes to having your rights trampled, we aren't EVER going to forget.

It seems to be the classic race to the middle that happens at a certain point in the election cycle. You know, candidates and incumbents talk big early on, but then soften their positions and move toward the middle to try to pick up support from the other side at the last minute.

fxashun · 10-22-2007, 11:09 AM

It's funny, it seems the only thing some gay people care about is "marriage" even if people support all other individual equality. Sad really...

forester814 · 10-22-2007, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fxashun

It's funny, it seems the only thing some gay people care about is "marriage" even if people support all other individual equality. Sad really...

I don't know a single gay person who fits that description, FX.
Do you?

garysher · 10-22-2007, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by forester814

I agree completely, Tristan. Americans, in general, have short memories, but when it comes to having your rights trampled, we aren't EVER going to forget.

What about the rights of the millions of parents in California who don't want their children's minds polluted with the deviant notion that there is no difference between genders, and that homosexuality and the fad to be "transgendered" is okay?

And what about the millions of Californian voters who have already told their legislators they don't want homosexual marriage?

What short memories the gay community seems to have.

fxashun · 10-22-2007, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by forester814

I don't know a single gay person who fits that description, FX.
Do you?

Are you kidding? Sounds like any one I debate here. Close your eyes and point. The gay guys I knew when I was working were worried more about the party that night. That seems to be the predominant attitude.
That is also what I gather from the "short memory" part of your post. What else is the "short memory" referring to if not Arnie vetoing the "gay marriage" bill that has already been voted on?