A bill is headed
to the desk of California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
that would secure personal rights for incarcerated LGBT
youths. The bill, sponsored by state senator Carole
Migden, establishes a Youth Bill of Rights within the
state division of juvenile justice system and county
probation departments or facilities.
The provision
creates a statewide antidiscrimination policy and procedure
for state and county detention facilities and a toll-free
hotline for youths to call if they encounter
discrimination or violence.
"There are
serious personal rights violations occurring in detention
facilities all over California, including attacks by other
kids and excessive force by staff," the San
Francisco senator said. "We must protect LGBT
kids from abuse while incarcerated so that when they come
out they're not damaged but healthy and ready to
return to society." (The Advocate)