From: Ellen McCormick Date: Thu, 2 Oct 1997 16:49:49 Subject: CA: State Senator Threatens Governor With Initiative FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 2, 1997 Contacts: Ellen McCormick Laurie McBride LIFE: California's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and HIV/AIDS Lobby (916) 444-0424 REPUBLICAN STATE SENATOR THREATENS GOVERNOR WITH NEW ANTI-GAY RIGHTS INITIATIVE IN CALIFORNIA Wednesday - State Senator Dick Mountjoy (R-Monrovia) issued a press release vowing that if Governor Wilson signs AB 257 - a measure to bring gay and lesbian job protections in line with other protected groups - he will lead the charge to put it up to a vote on California's November 1988 ballot. "Wedge issue politics and worse," responded Laurie McBride when asked about Mountjoy's statements. "He is threatening the Governor, telling Wilson to veto it or 'face the people.' Obviously Mountjoy doesn't know that every poll for the past 6 or 7 years shows that 70% and more of the American public strongly support nondiscrimination policies for gays and lesbians. He's just beating the same old drum of anti-gay discrimination." McBride went on to note that AB 257, authored by Antonio Villaraigosa (D-Los Angeles), transfers existing job protections from the Department of Labor Standards Enforcement to the Department of Fair Employment and Housing. If transferred, existing job protections for gays and lesbians would come into conformity with those for people of faith, people of color, people with disabilities, etc. "AB 257 is such a simple, fair bill," added Ellen McCormick, LIFE's Legislative Advocate. "First, it will mean that the window for filing a complaint will go from 30 days to one year. Second, it means that the state will add "sexual orientation" to the list of protected groups on all its non-discrimination posters - the ones you see on the employee bulletin board." In his press release Senator Mountjoy denounces AB 257 for giving "special rights" to gays and lesbians. He neglects to mention that that current law gives them only 30 days to file a complaint, while all other groups get the "special right" of one year. McBride concluded by panning Mountjoy's faulty logic. "Mountjoy insults the intelligence of every thinking Californian. First he says being gay is a choice, and doesn't deserve protection. Then he says that because employers can tell a person's gender or ethnicity, an employer can 'avoid discriminating against them.' Does the Senator mean that discrimination would be okay if the employer couldn't tell? So an employer who doesn't see a job applicant is free to make racial slurs? Or that employers just naturally discriminate except when they are "warned" by the visible 'reminder' of gender, race, or disability? What an idiotic and perverse thing to say. But then Mountjoy never met a civil rights law that he liked." The deadline for Governor Wilson to sign or veto AB 257 is midnight, October 13th. Individuals are encouraged to send letters of support for AB 257 to: Governor Pete Wilson, State Capitol, Sacramento, CA 95814. Please "cc" LIFE Lobby and Wilson's Deputy, Michael Sweet. ### 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 current LGBT legislation, LIFE activities, events or membership please contact our office or go to our web site 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