Politics & Government
Sacramento CA: Eight Members of the California State Assembly Introduce Assembly Concurrent Resolution 67
We do NOT need this proposed ballot measure.
May 11, 2015
Eight Members of the California State Assembly Introduce Assembly Concurrent Resolution 67
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Condemning the Sodomite Suppression Act Ballot Initiative
Mullin, Bonta, Chiu, Thurmond, Ting, Low, Eggman and Levine Measure Makes a Strong Statement
Find out what's happening in San Brunofor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Sacramento – Today Assembly Speaker pro Tempore Kevin Mullin (D-San Mateo) along with Assembly Joint Co-Authors Rob Bonta (D-Oakland), David Chiu (D-San Francisco), Tony Thurmond (D-Richmond), Phil Ting (D- San Francisco), Assembly Principal Co-Author Evan Low (D-Campbell), and Assembly Co-Authors Susan Eggman (D-Stockton) and Marc Levine (D-San Rafael) introduced Assembly Concurrent Resolution 67 denouncing and objecting to the introduction of ballot initiatives that call for violence, harm and intimidation on another person due to that person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
The action is significant in that the Legislature rarely takes a position on proposed citizen ballot measures. However, in the instance of the so-called “Sodomite Suppression Act,” the California State Assembly has determined that a formal, public statement denouncing an outrageous and obviously unconstitutional proposal was necessary.
California Attorney General, Kamala Harris, has asked the courts to prevent the ballot proposal from appearing on the ballot. That decision is still pending.
Here’s what each of the co-authors had to say about this importance of this resolution:
“While I am now and always will be an advocate for the First Amendment right of free speech, and in this case, the ballot initiative process, we simply cannot condone a ballot measure that promotes and legalizes murder of, or violence against any group, in this case members of the LGBT community,” Mullin said.
A long-time advocate of equality for all, Mullin added, “I had to take a stand on this issue. Many of my friends, colleagues and staff are affected by this abhorrent proposed initiative and I will not stand by while others seek to find ways to discriminate against them.”
“The bigotry and hatred that spawned the Sodomite Suppression Act have no place in California law. We went to the Supreme Court in defense of equality and prevailed, and I am extremely disappointed that a fellow attorney would submit such a hate-filled, violent, and repulsive proposal to the voters,” said Assemblymember Rob Bonta. “Measures like this one solely based on animus towards a class of individuals have no place in our society.”
“This proposed initiative is motivated by pure bigotry and is offensive to basic human decency,” said Assemblymember David Chiu (D-San Francisco). “As California’s elected representatives, we need to go on record against this repulsive proposal. I am proud to join my colleagues in making it absolutely clear that California stands united with our LGBT communities against hate.”
“I am shocked and disgusted at this attempt to craft public policy,” said Assemblymember Thurmond. “But more importantly, I am saddened that our voters will have to go to the polls and weigh in on any measure to legalize the murder and further castigation of individuals due to their sexual orientation. There is no place in this state or country for rhetoric like this and I fully expect that the voters of California will speak loudly in opposition to this initiative.”
“We should never legislate hate nor should we ever allow any community to be targeted, intimidated and suppressed,” said Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco). “There is no place in our democracy to sanction the holocaust of any minority group entitled to equal rights.”
“I proudly join my colleagues in rejecting any policy that promotes immoral and illegal behavior against our citizens, especially those in the LGBT community. We live in California, the cradle of democracy, and should only be moving forward to advance the civil liberties of all people, not backwards to harm innocent lives,” added Assemblymember Low.
“We have worked hard to make California home to some of the strongest civil rights protections in the country. Though the vast majority of Californians will reject this proposition as patently unconstitutional and unconscionable, it nevertheless has forced itself on the public through a subversion of California’s direct democratic system,” said Assemblymember Susan Eggman (D-Stockton). “It may have little chance of passage, but that doesn’t make it merely an abstract. For many members of the LGBT community this is the life we live: One where we are always fighting those who would harm us for characteristics as immutable to ourselves as hair or eye color. And for young people who are finding themselves, and who are vulnerable to the hate in this proposition’s message, we will counter it with one of strength and reassurance: We will not stop working to ensure that you are safe and welcome here, as you are.”
“This resolution denounces hate,” said Assemblymember Marc Levine (D-San Rafael). “We can have no tolerance for use of the initiative process to spread such bigotry.”
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Kevin Mullin represents the 22nd Assembly District and is the Speaker pro Tempore of the California State Assembly. He chairs the Select Committee on Biotechnology and serves on the following committees: Budget, Budget Subcommittee #4 on State Administration, Business and Professions, Elections and Redistricting, Housing and Community Development and Revenue and Taxation. The 22nd district includes the cities of Belmont, Brisbane, Burlingame, Foster City, Hillsborough, Millbrae, Pacifica, Redwood City, San Bruno, San Carlos, San Mateo, portions of South San Francisco and the San Mateo County Coastside communities of Montara and Moss Beach.
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Source Credit: California State Assemblyman Kevin Mullin
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