August 29, 2006

GOVERNOR SIGNS BILL PROHIBITING DISCRIMINATION IN CALIFORNIA STATE PROGRAMS

Bill Adds Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity, Among Other Categories, Covered By Existing Law

Sacramento, CA - Despite significant opposition from right wing conservative organizations, today Governor Schwarzenegger signed Equality California's (EQCA) Nondiscrimination in State Programs and Activities Act, SB 1441.  The EQCA-sponsored measure, authored by Senator Sheila Kuehl (D-Santa Monica), bans discrimination in state operated or funded programs on the basis of actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity.

"We greatly appreciate the governor signing this EQCA-sponsored legislation authored by Senator Kuehl prohibiting sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination in government programs and services.   This bill will help to ensure that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Californians are treated equally by our government and is an important step towards our goal of ending discrimination in the Golden State," said Geoff Kors, EQCA executive director. 

Senate Bill 1441 protects all Californians who utilize public services such as police and fire protection, financial aid, social services and food stamps. The measure also protects those associated with a person receiving services who has, or is perceived to have, any characteristic covered by the bill.

"I am very grateful to the governor for signing SB 1441, which will extend equal nondiscrimination protections to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Californians who depend on our state's vital programs and services," said Senator Kuehl.