Effort Launched to Repeal Calif. LGBT Education Law

A coalition of right-wing groups calling itself Stop SB 48 plans to launch a petition drive to put a measure before California voters asking them to repeal the recently passed state law requiring public schools to teach about the contributions of LGBT people.

Senate Bill 48, sponsored by state senator Mark Leno (pictured) was signed into law this month by Gov. Jerry Brown, and it is set to take effect January 1. On its website the coalition claims the law, among other things, "forces schools to use a social science curriculum that promotes the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender lifestyles that undermine traditional family relationships."

The website describes Stop SB 48 as "a coalition of pro-family organizations, parents, students, teachers and more." Groups involved in the effort include the Pacific Justice Institute and Capitol Resource Family Impact. They filed papers last week with the state attorney general's office to obtain an official title and summary for the measure; once the office issues that, they would have 90 days to collect 505,000 valid signatures to put the question before voters next year. The coalition is already seeking volunteers and donations.