Landmark Gay History Bill Goes To Gov. Brown For Signature
SACRAMENTO (AP) — California lawmakers have sent the governor a bill that would make the state the first requiring public schools to include the contributions of gays and lesbians in their social studies curriculum.
The Assembly on Tuesday passed the bill on a 49-25 party-line vote. The bill adds lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people to the list of groups that schools must include in social studies lessons.
It also would prohibit materials that reflect adversely on gays.
Democratic Assemblyman Tom Ammiano of San Francisco says SB48 is crucial because of the bullying that happens to gay students. Republicans called it a well-intentioned but ill-conceived bill.
The legislation leaves it to local school boards to decide how to implement the requirement. It does not specify a grade level for the instruction to begin.
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