From: Ellen McCormick Date: Mon, 8 Sep 1997 18:15:15 Subject: CA: AB 257 FAILS SENATE VOTE September 8, 1997 For Immediate Release Contact: Ellen McCormick LIFE: California's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and HIV/AIDS Lobby GAY/LESBIAN CIVIL RIGHTS BILL FAILS ON STATE SENATE FLOOR Bending to pressure from the Radical Right, three Democratic Senators and fifteen Republic Senators voted to block AB 257 - the measure which would prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in employment and housing. Senator Calderon (D - Whittier) abstained from voting. The bill has been granted reconsideration and may be voted on again this week. "That the California State Senate would deny gay and lesbian citizens access to employment and housing equality in this state is blatantly offensive. Failing this bill sends a message to our community that we should be discriminated against in our jobs and in our choice of home," said Ellen McCormick, Legislative Advocate for LIFE Lobby. AB 257 may be voted on for reconsideration as early as Tuesday, September 9th. ### Phone calls, faxes and e-mail messages will be crucial for the upcoming reconsideration vote - please contact the following members immediately and urge them to change their vote!: Ruben Ayala (D - Chino) - voted "no" on AB 257 phone: (916) 445-6868 district phone: (909) 466-6882 fax: (916) 445-0128 e-mail: Senator.Ayala@sen.ca.gov Jim Costa (D - Fresno) - voted "no" on AB 257 phone: (916) 445-4641 district phone: (209) 264-3078 fax: (916) 327-5989 e-mail: none Steve Peace (D - El Cajon / San Diego) - voted "no" on AB 257 phone: (916) 445-6767 district phone: (619) 463-0243 fax: (916) 327-3522 e-mail: Senator.Peace@sen.ca.gov Bruce McPherson (R - Santa Cruz) - voted "no" on AB 257 phone: (916) 445-5843 district phone: (408) 425-0401 fax: (916) 445-8081 e-mail: bruce.mcpherson@sen.ca.gov Charles Calderon (D - Whittier) - abstained on AB 257 phone: (916) 327-8315 district phone: (213) 724-6175 fax: none e-mail: Senator.Calderon@sen.ca.gov ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This message has been brought to you by LIFE: California's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and HIV/AIDS Lobby. LIFE has been lobbying on behalf of California's lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and HIV-affected communities since 1986. LIFE is the oldest and largest institution representing these communities in California's State Capitol and is proud to celebrate over a decade of service. If you would like further information about LIFE activities, events or membership please contact our office at: LIFE: California's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and HIV/AIDS Lobby 926 J Street, Suite 522 Sacramento, CA 95814 (916) 444-0424 fax (916) 444-3059