LGBT History Bill Draws Opposition from Local Reps

Local government representatives strongly oppose a newly signed bill calling for the inclusion of historical contributions of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community.

When Gov. Jerry Brown signed SB 48 into law last week, it was hailed a historic moment by the LGBT community.

SB 48, or the FAIR (Fair, Accurate, Inclusive and Respectful) Education act, allows the contributions of the LGBT Americans be incorporated into school curricula, identifying LGBT Americans as a minority group protected from discrimination in education.

The bill, authored by Senator Mark Leno, D-San Francisco, also calls for the inclusion of historical contributions of Pacific Islanders and disabled individuals.

"This bill revises existing laws that prohibit discrimination in education and ensures that the important contributions of Americans from all backgrounds and walks of life are included in our history books," Gov. Brown said in a statement.

But the bill faced a heated response from conservative groups who submitted paperwork the following day in an effort to repeal the bill through a voter referendum.

Tim Donnelly, R-Twin Peaks and one of Arcadia's two assemblymen, chastised the bill during a Tea Party meeting in Redlands.

“Something is wrong when 2 percent of the people can dictate that every school district in the entire state of California must now teach a positive impression, teach the positive aspects of the homosexual agenda in your schools,” Donnelly said.

Senator Bob Huff, R-Diamond Bar, who opposed the bill during a Senate Education Committee meeting in March, called the new law “inappropriate” and said it “sexualized” education.

, a Gay Straight Alliance representative, called Huff’s comment a common misconception of the FAIR Act stating the bill is about history, not sexual conduct. He added that the bill is intended to encourage respect and tolerance for students of all backgrounds through education.

“If the FAIR Act had been in place when I was student, I believe I would have felt more comfortable coming out to my friends and classmates,” Baiseri said.