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August 31, 2006

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 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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