News
2006-08-31
Pro-gay bills
head to governor's desk in California
On a 22–15
vote, the California senate sent the governor a bill
sponsored by openly lesbian state senator Sheila Kuehl
On a 22–15
vote, the California senate sent the governor a bill
sponsored by openly lesbian state senator Sheila Kuehl
that would prohibit schools from using textbooks or
providing instruction that criticizes people because
of their sexual orientation.
At one point the
bill, SB1437, also would have required social science
textbooks to discuss the historic contributions of gays.
Kuehl dropped that provision in the assembly in hopes
of getting Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to sign the
measure, but his aides have made statements indicating
that he still might veto the bill.
Lawmakers also
sent the governor SB1827, a bill sponsored by another out
senator, Carole Migden, that would let domestic partners
file joint state income tax returns. The 24–15
vote approved assembly amendments. The bill, which may
impact as many as 38,000 same-sex couples, would also
allow registered domestic partners to have their earned
income treated as community property for state tax
purposes.
"SB1827 is the
final piece to the puzzle in reaching California tax
equity for LGBT families under California law," said Migden.
"The financial burdens that go with parenthood and/or
being a spouse are softened by tax cuts afforded to
married couples. Fairness dictates that LGBT families
are afforded the same help from the state." (AP
contributed to this report)
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