James C. Hormel &
Michael P. Nguyen
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Press Releases| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 1, 2006 MEDIA CONTACTS: Dannie Tillman, Director of Communications & Coalitions, Equality Carolyn Laub, Executive Director, Gay-Straight Alliance Network 800 Youth from Across Legislators Will Meet with Youth and Hear Their Concerns Regarding Two Bills Affecting LGBT Students in California Schools Sacramento, CA – On Monday, March 6, an estimated 800 youth, parents, teachers, and supporters of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) rights are expected to convene at the state capitol where they will have the opportunity to talk with lawmakers about the experiences of LGBT students in California schools and to ask for their help in ending discrimination and harassment in schools. LGBT youth and their supporters will hold a rally on the south steps of the state capitol from noon – 1 p.m. and appeal to their legislators to support two critical bills: AB 606, The Safe Place to Learn Act and SB 1437, The Bias-Free Curriculum Act. The event is being sponsored by Equality California (EQCA) and the Gay-Straight Alliance Network (GSA Network). AB 606, The Safe Place to Learn Act (Levine, D-Van Nuys), requires school districts and the Department of Education (DOE) to enforce “AB 606 will not only ensure that our schools are safe for LGBT students but it will also promote a better learning environment for all students because they know that their schools stand for equality,” said Geoffrey Kors, Executive Director of EQCA. “The Senate should pass AB 606 and protect our young people so they can receive the education they deserve without fear of either discrimination or violence.” SB 1437, The Bias-Free Curriculum Act authored by Senator Sheila Kuehl (D-Santa Monica) and sponsored by EQCA, would amend the Education Code to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in text books, classroom instruction, and school-sponsored activities. By protecting LGBT youth from negative stereotyping in their own, required, educational materials, SB 1437 would promote a safe and respectful environment in "The hundreds of LGBT and straight ally youth from every region of Youth participating in the day represent diverse school and legislative districts and many have a personal reason for becoming involved in the event. "As someone who grew up poor as well as being a Pacific Islander and Puerto Rican and bisexual, I know what it's like to be held down and therefore I am more committed to helping others. This is the reason why I am participating in LGBT Youth Advocacy Day," said Stevie Merino, a 17 year-old senior at The day begins at 9 a.m. at The Crest Theater where youth will be trained in key advocacy skills, meet other young leaders, and then unite together at the rally from noon - 1 p.m. to urge the Senate to pass SB 1437 and AB 606. The youth are also advocating for Gov. Schwarzenegger to sign AB 606 into law, if the bill passes in the Senate. Lloyd Levine (D-Van Nuys), Shelia Kuehl (D-Santa Monica) and Mark Leno (D-San Francisco) will speak at the event. Jackie Goldberg (D-Los Angeles), Carole Migden (D-San Francisco), John Laird (D-Santa Cruz), Judy Chu (D-Monterey Park), and Christine Kehoe (D-San Diego) are among the legislators who have been invited to attend the day’s events. Co-sponsors of the event include: ACLU of Northern California, ACLU of Southern California, Bienestar, Billy DeFrank Lesbian and Gay Community Center, CAPPAC, Gay and Gender Research, GLSEN Los Angeles, GLSEN Palm Springs/Desert Communities, Matthew Shepard Foundation, National Association of Social Workers/CA Chapter, National Center for Lesbian Rights, PFLAG Fremont/East Bay, PFLAG Peninsula/San Jose, PFLAG Sacramento, PFLAG San Diego, Queer Cultural Center, The Respect for All Project of Women's Educational Media, and Stonewall Democrats of Sacramento. SCHEUDLE OF EVENTS Gay-Straight - 30 - |
