CALIFORNIA – With the close of the 2011 Legislative session Equality California (EQCA) reached a new milestone – passage of its most ambitious legislative program since the organization was founded in 1998. EQCA successfully sponsored 12 bills, many initiated under the leadership of former EQCA Executive Director Geoff Kors, on issues ranging from domestic partnership and family protections, to safe schools, transgender anti-discrimination and inclusive education.
“Each of these bills sponsored by Equality California in 2011 will result in important and tangible changes in the lives of lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender people in the state of California,” said Sen. Christine Kehoe (D-San Diego). “I was proud, together with my colleagues, to partner with Equality California in this important and historic effort to advance equality in our state and look forward to working together in the future.”
“Thanks to the efforts of members of the Legislature, as well as Equality California, we were able to pass some truly groundbreaking legislation in this session, especially with respect to job creation efforts that will help Californians – and especially LGBT Californians – who have been hit hard by the collapse of the economy find new jobs to help our economy recover,” said Speaker John A. Pérez (D-Los Angeles). “We have also approved vital legislation to ensure that LGBT students are treated with dignity and respect by their peers, and I am hopeful the governor will sign these important measures into law.”
“Since it’s founding, Equality California has utilized the legislative process and strong partnerships with pro-equality legislators to move our state from one with extremely limited legal protections for LGBT people to one with some of the most comprehensive civil rights protections in the nation,” said Roland Palencia, Equality California executive director.
