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assembly approves ban on antigay discrimination in schools

California
assembly approves ban on antigay discrimination in schools

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After a lengthy partisan debate, the California assembly voted 47-31 to ban materials and activities in schools that are discriminatory toward gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgender individuals. Assembly speaker Fabian Nunez of Los Angeles said the bill, sponsored by Democratic senator Sheila Kuehl of Santa Monica, was needed to expand the antidiscriminatory protections now afforded minorities based on race, gender, and religion. "Antigay and LGBT school harassment occurs every day in our public schools," Nunez said on the floor. "This says our schools are going to have a curriculum that is bias-free." Lawmakers two weeks ago voted to strip out the most controversial element of the bill, a provision that would have required California textbooks to include the historical contributions of gay people. Nevertheless, critics said the measure still allowed for the promotion of homosexuality. "This is a predatory bill," said Republican assemblyman Jay LaSuer. "It preys on the innocence of children on a lifestyle that is unacceptable." The bill now goes to the California senate. (AP)

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