Today, California Attorney General Kamala Harris is seeking to stop an unconstitutional proposed ballot initiative that would seek to criminalize same-sex relationships and potentially threaten those convicted with death.
This afternoon, Harris announced that she was seeking judicial authorization to not issue a title and summary for the so-called “Sodomite Suppression Act,” which would prevent the horrific proposal from advancing to the next stage in California’s ballot measure process.
“This disgusting, barbaric measure should be stopped in its tracks, and once again Attorney General Harris has demonstrated leadership in standing up for the rights and dignity of LGBT Californians,” said HRC President Chad Griffin. “It is our sincere hope that the Supreme Court of California gives her the authority to prevent it from advancing.”
Following Kamala Harris’ decision Assembly Speaker Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) released the following statement: “Attorney General Kamala Harris is doing the right thing by asking the court to allow California to reject an obviously unconstitutional and dangerous initiative proposal that actually promotes murder. The proposal represents either the depth of bigotry and hatred or the height of sick publicity stunts—either way it should not be dignified by becoming an official part of the process Californians have to amend the state Constitution. Having discussed options with Attorney General Harris, I know how seriously she takes her responsibility to the law and how seriously she takes her responsibility to protect the public’s safety. I urge the court to grant the Attorney General’s request and prevent the state’s initiative process from being abused in this egregious manner.”
Several weeks ago LGBT Weekly called upon Harris, Atkins and California Senate President Kevin de Leon to act to prevent the measure from going forward. Should Harris be compelled to issue a title and summary for the proposal, it would then advance to a 90-day window during which organizers would seek to collect the 365,000 signatures needed to put it on the 2016 ballot.
