- California Legislative LGBT Caucus
The California Legislative LGBT Caucus is an American political organization composed of openly
lesbian ,gay ,bisexual andtransgender members of theCalifornia State Legislature .Role
The caucus was established so as to champion legislation that advances equality and the rights of LGBT Californians. Its members have introduced and passed numerous measures related to gay rights, including two same-sex marriage bills (both vetoed by the governor), bills prohibiting discrimination in state government, tackling homophobic bullying in schools and adequately funding
HIV/AIDS treatment.cite web |url= http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a27/press/a272006051.htm |title= California Legislative LGBT Caucus Elects Laird Chair |accessdate=2008-06-04 |publisher=California State Assembly |date=2006-12-05 ]In addition, the caucus sponsors an annual LGBT Pride Exhibit every June and presents the LGBT Pride Recognition Awards to outstanding Californians. In 2006, several Republican legislators boycotted the awards ceremony, walking off the Assembly floor as the awards were presented. [cite news |url= http://www.news10.net/storyfull2.aspx?storyid=19346 |title= GOP Lawmakers Walk Out Over Gay Recognition |accessdate=2008-06-04 |work=
News10 |date=2006-08-14 ]Membership
As of 2008, six openly
LGBT people have served in the legislature – all of them gay or lesbian and all of them Democrats. They look set to be joined by two more in the 2008 elections:Tom Ammiano (D–San Francisco) andJohn Pérez (D–Los Angeles). [cite web |url=http://www.victoryfund.org/news/view/url:perez_among_victorious_in_primary_election |title= Perez among victorious in primary election |accessdate=2008-06-04 |publisher=Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund |date=2008-06-04 ]In addition, there have been members of the legislature who, though not open about their sexuality at the time they served in public office, subsequently declared themselves gay or lesbian.
Dennis Mangers , who represented Orange County in the Assembly from 1976 to 1980, married his partner of 17 years, Michael Sestak, in June 2008. [cite news |url=http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-image17-2008jun17,0,4436786.story |title= Gay couples are emphasizing low-key weddings |accessdate=2008-06-17 |work=Los Angeles Times |date=2008-06-16 ]Chairs
References
External links
* [http://www.assembly.ca.gov/LGBT_Caucus/ California Legislative LGBT Caucus]
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