Local Representatives Rail Against Bill Promoting LGBT History

Local government representatives strongly oppose a newly signed bill calling for the inclusion of historical contributions of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community.

When Gov. Jerry Brown signed SB 48 into law Thursday, it was hailed a historic moment by the LGBT community.

SB 48, or the FAIR (Fair, Accurate, Inclusive and Respectful) Education act, allows the contributions of the LGBT Americans be incorporated into school curricula, identifying LGBT Americans as a minority group protected from discrimination in education.

The bill, authored by Senator Mark Leno, D-San Francisco, also calls for the inclusion of historical contributions of Pacific Islanders and disabled individuals.

"This bill revises existing laws that prohibit discrimination in education and ensures that the important contributions of Americans from all backgrounds and walks of life are included in our history books," Gov. Brown said in a statement.

But the bill faced a heated response from conservative groups who submitted paperwork the following day in an effort to repeal the bill through a voter referendum.

Assemblyman Tim Donnelly, R-Twin Peaks, who represents Glendora in the 59th District, chastised the bill during a Tea Party meeting in Redlands.

“Something is wrong when 2 percent of the people can dictate that every school district in the entire state of California must now teach a positive impression, teach the positive aspects of the homosexual agenda in your schools,” Donnelly said.

Senator Bob Huff, R-Diamond Bar, who opposed the bill during a Senate Education Committee meeting in March, called the new law “inappropriate” and said it “sexualized” education.

a Gay Straight Alliance representative, called Huff’s comment a common misconception of the FAIR Act stating the bill is about history, not sexual conduct. He added that the bill is intended to encourage respect and tolerance for students of all backgrounds through education.

“If the FAIR Act had been in place when I was student, I believe I would have felt more comfortable coming out to my friends and classmates,” the Glendora High School graduate said.

While the law mandates all California schools to adhere to the new requirements, the law leaves room for interpretation, said Dr. Mary Suzuki, Glendora Unified Director of K-8 Curriculum, Instruction, Categorical Programs and Student Services.

Suzuki said Glendora Unified School District officials have not yet made any decisions regarding the law, although she said the school board may discuss it at a future meeting.

“Glendora is a very conservative community,” said Suzuki. “We will look at the legislation, what it calls for and what it appropriate. We would like to include parent input, but at the same time be respectful of the bill itself.”