Equality California (172 Articles with 376,836 total views)
Equality California is California’s premier statewide lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization focused on creating a fair and just society. Our mission is to achieve and maintain full and lasting equality, acceptance, and social justice for all people in our diverse LGBT communities, inside and outside of California. Our mission includes advancing the health and well-being of LGBT Californians through direct healthcare service advocacy and education. Through electoral, advocacy, education and mobilization programs, we strive to create a broad and diverse alliance of LGBT people, educators, government officials, communities of color and faith, labor, business, and social justice communities to achieve our goals.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. California voters overwhelmingly voted Yes on Proposition 3 Tuesday evening, which will enshrine full marriage equality in California's constitution once and for all.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. Equality California released the following statement from
Executive Director Tony Hoang following the news that Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 729, authored by Senator Caroline Menjivar, which will require large group insurance plans to cover fertility and infertility treatments including IVF as well as expand the definition of infertility to be inclusive of LGBTQ+ family planning experiences: "With increasing attacks on reproductive freedom and IVF across the country, we are immensely grateful to Governor Newsom for once again demonstrating that California is committed to ensuring that all people have the freedom to make personal decisions about their reproductive lives and futures. With Governor Newsom's signature, an estimated 10 million Californians will now have access to the full spectrum of fertility and infertility services, including IVF, and be given the opportunity to become a parent regardless of sexual orientation or relationship status.
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY, Calif. - September 11, 2024 Equality California, the nation's largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, released the following statement from
Executive Director Tony Hoang regarding the ruling from the San Bernardino Superior Court that permanently halts Chino Valley Unified School District from enforcing dangerous provisions of their forced outing policy.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. Equality California and Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California are disappointed by Governor Newsom's veto of Assembly Bill 2442 by Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur co-sponsored legislation that would have required the expedited processing of licensure applications for medical and mental health providers who demonstrate a commitment to offering gender-affirming care within their licensed scope of practice. A signature on AB 2442 would have built on California's long-standing nationwide leadership on LGBTQ+ rights by significantly improving access to care for transgender individuals in California and across the country which is critical to their safety, health, and well-being.
LOS ANGELES, Calif. - Equality California, the nation's largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, released the following statement from
Executive Director Tony Hoang mourning the passing of longtime LGBTQ+ leader David Mixner: "David Mixner was a tireless fighter for our community and dedicated his life to advancing full, lived equality for all LGBTQ+ people. His many decades of advocacy have changed the lives of countless LGBTQ+ people in California and across the world for the better. Among his many accomplishments, David worked alongside Harvey Milk to stop California from banning LGBTQ+ schoolteachers in the 1970s, advocated for more aggressive treatment options during the AIDS crisis in the 1980s, helped lead the fight against "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" in the 1990s, and was central to our achieving marriage equality in the 2000s.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - A coalition of more than two dozen LGBTQ+ advocate organizations and health care providers are
releasing a new report aimed at addressing the challenges and discrimination that transgender, gender-diverse, and intersex ("TGI") individuals face when seeking and receiving health care and health education.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Equality California, the nation's largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, released the following statement from
Executive Director Tony Hoang in response to Governor Newsom's Veto message on AB 957, the TGI Youth Empowerment Act: "We are disappointed and disheartened by Governor Newsom's decision to veto AB 957, which would have helped to ensure that the unique needs of transgender and gender non-conforming youth are explicitly considered in child custody and visitation decisions.
LOS ANGELES - September 29, 2023 - Equality California, the nation's largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, released the following statement from
Executive Director Tony Hoang on Friday in response to the news that United States Senator Dianne Feinstein has passed away at age 90: "We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Senator Dianne Feinstein, a trailblazer and tireless advocate for equality and justice. Senator Feinstein devoted her life to serving the people of California and our nation, championing LGBTQ+ civil rights, reproductive freedom, gun safety reform and democracy throughout her remarkable career. Senator Feinstein stood with our community back when few others did, fighting for funding and action to combat the AIDS crisis when most elected officials chose to look away. Her work from the San Francisco Board of Supervisors to the United States Senate transformed our state and our nation for the better.
LOS ANGELES - Equality California, the nation's largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, released the following statement from Executive Director Tony Hoang on Governor Gavin Newsom's selection of Laphonza Butler to serve as the next U.S. Senator From California: "Laphonza Butler is eminently qualified to represent California well in the United States Senate and we are thrilled to congratulate her. This historic appointment by Governor Newsom will give our LGBTQ+ community another voice in Congress at a time when our rights and freedoms are under attack across the country. We look forward to working with Laphonza as she steps into this new role and continues her lifelong fight for our shared values of equity, freedom and justice for all."
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - August 28, 2023 - Equality California, the nation's largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, released the following statement from
Executive Director Tony Hoang in response to Attorney General Rob Bonta filing a lawsuit against Chino Valley Unified School District: "Equality California strongly supports Attorney General Rob Bonta's decision to file a lawsuit against Chino Valley Unified School District challenging their recently approved forced outing policy for trangender students. This policy infringes on the rights and privacy of transgender students and sets a dangerous precedent that can lead to discrimination against others.
LAKE ARROWHEAD, Calif. - Equality California, the nation's largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, released the following statement from
Executive Director Tony Hoang in response to a violent shooting that occurred in Lake Arrowhead on Friday, August 18 at the Mag Pi clothing store that took the life of business owner and LGBTQ+ ally Laura "Lauri" Ann Carleton: "We join countless others in mourning the loss of Lauri Carleton - wife, mother of nine, and business owner - who took particular pride in being an outspoken ally for the LGBTQ+ community. Our condolences are with her family and loved ones at this difficult time.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - July 13, 2023 - The California Senate passed a proposed state constitutional amendment to secure marriage equality 31-0 with bipartisan support on Thursday. Assembly Constitutional Amendment 5 (ACA 5), authored by Assemblymember Evan Low (D-Silicon Valley) and Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), would amend the California Constitution to protect the fundamental freedom to marry and remove the unconstitutional and discriminatory language from Proposition 8. Doing so would help safeguard against any future attempts to restrict marriage rights for same-sex or interracial couples.
CHINO VALLEY, Calif. - July 21, 2023 - Equality California, the nation's largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, released the following statement from Executive Director Tony Hoang after the vote by the Chino Valley USD Board of Education to adopt a policy that will forcibly out transgender, nonbinary, and gender non-conforming students - who may use different names and pronouns at school than those they were assigned at birth - to their parents without the student's consent: "Equality California is appalled and alarmed by the level of blatant homophobia and transphobia leveled against LGBTQ+ youth by the Chino Valley Unified School Board yesterday evening. With LGBTQ+ youth around the country under attack, the school board put their most vulnerable students in harm's way with their dangerous vote to forcibly out trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming youth without their consent. The policy they passed last night is dangerous and in direct opposition to recommendations made by the California Department of Education.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - June 26, 2023 - Marking the 10-year anniversary of the Supreme Court's ruling in Hollingsworth v. Perry, which restored marriage equality in California, the California Assembly passed a proposed constitutional amendment to protect marriage equality in the Golden State with bipartisan support on Monday. Assembly Constitutional Amendment 5 (ACA 5), authored by Assemblymember Evan Low (D-Silicon Valley) and Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), would amend the California Constitution to protect the fundamental freedom to marry and remove the unconstitutional and discriminatory language from Proposition 8. Doing so would help safeguard against any future attempts to restrict marriage rights for same-sex or interracial couples.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - June 2, 2023 - Equality California, the nation's largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, released the following statement from
Executive Director Tony Hoang in response to a
joint letter from Governor Gavin Newsom, Attorney General Rob Bonta, and State Superintendent Tony Thurmond cautioning against book bans and and ensuring that California students receive accurate and inclusive classroom instruction, including access to unbiased instructional materia
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - April 28, 2023 - Equality California, the nation's largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, released the following statement from Executive Director Tony Hoang in response to a report from the California State Auditor highlighting a staggering deficit in sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) data collected by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH "Despite the advancements we have made in creating a more just and equal society for LGBTQ+ Californians, by virtually every measure of success, our community remains at the bottom - including when it comes to health care outcomes.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - April 19, 2023 - Equality California, the nation's largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, released the following statement from
Executive Director Tony Hoang in response to Rep. Tom McClintock (R-CA) introducing H.R. 2640, the Border Security and Enforcement Act of 2023, which would make it much harder for immigrants to seek asylum in the US and reinstate previous provisions enforced during the Trump Administration: "The United States has always served as a beacon of hope for immigrants seeking a better life for themselves and their families, including those who are LGBTQ+. Until our nation has a just and functional immigration system, we do not have full and lasting LGBTQ+ equality. Undocumented LGBTQ+ people and those seeking asylum face tremendous negative effects on their social well-being for being members of two marginalized groups.
WASHINGTON - Equality California, the nation's largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, released the following statements from
Executive Director Tony Hoang and
the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus in response to the mass shooting at Covenant School in Nashville, TN this morning which took the lives of three adults and three children.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - February 15, 2023 - In an effort to combat anti-LGBTQ+ hate and protect marriage equality, Assemblymember Evan Low and Senator Scott Wiener introduced ACA 5 Tuesday. ACA 5 is a constitutional amendment intended to protect same sex-marriage with plans to remove Proposition 8's (2008) discriminatory language from the state's constitution that was approved by voters - Prop. 8 declared "only marriage between a man and a woman" as valid or recognized in California.
WASHINGTON - February 14, 2023 - Equality California, the nation's largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, released the following statement from
Executive Director Tony Hoang after Senator Dianne Feinstein announced on Tuesday that she would not seek reelection in 2024, but would finish out the remainder of her term.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - March 3, 2023 - Equality California, the nation's largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, released the following statement from
Executive Director Tony Hoang on
HB 1223, a bill filed in Florida by Rep, Adam Anderson (R-Tarpon Springs) that would expand the discriminatory so-called
'Don't Say Gay' legislation passed in early 2022 that seeks to erase LGBTQ+ people from Florida schools: "There seems to be no limit to the cruelty and bigotry that Florida lawmakers, including Governor Ron DeSantis, wish to inflict upon LGBTQ+ students and their families. The mental health consequences that 'Don't Say Gay' causes for LGBTQ+ students and their families are myriad and distressing.
WASHINGTON - February 24, 2023 - Equality California, the nation's largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, released the following statement from
Executive Director Tony Hoang in response to the racist comments made by Congressman Lance Gooden in an interview on Fox News questioning Congresswoman Judy Chu. "The comments made by Rep. Lance Gooden on Fox News are shameful, dangerous and flat-out racist. The Asian American Pacific Islander community continues to face violent attacks driven by hate and lies spread by far-right conservative extremists like Rep. Gooden. His comments disregard the lives lost in mass shootings earlier this year and feed the fear that AAPI people continue to face due to racism and xenophobia - Rep. Gooden needs to understand his racist remarks lead to detrimental consequences against the AAPI community.
LOS ANGELES - January 2, 2023 - Equality California, the nation's largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, released the following statement from
Executive Director Tony Hoang in response to the mass shooting in Monterey Park on Lunar New Year's Eve: "My heart breaks for the victims of last night's shooting in Monterey Park, their families and loved ones. A day of celebration for so many in our API communities, as we welcome the Lunar New Year, has become a day of mourning. Equality California stands ready with our partners to support those impacted, as we continue to combat hate and gun violence that fueled this horrific attack."
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - November 10, 2022 - LGBTQ+ Californians will see historic representation in Sacramento, when the state's new legislature is sworn in on December 5. With the re-election Tuesday of four openly LGBTQ+ Assemblymembers and the election of at least four new out LGBTQ+ legislators, California is on track to become the first state in the nation to achieve 10% LGBTQ+ representation in its state legislature. California's four out LGBTQ+ Senators are all serving terms through 2024.
WASHINGTON - Equality California, the nation's largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, released the following statement from
Executive Director Tony Hoang after Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced on the U.S. House floor Thursday that she will continue to represent San Francisco in Congress but will not seek re-election to Democratic Leadership: "From her first floor speech in 1987 to today's, Speaker Pelosi has been an indefatigable champion for LGBTQ+ civil rights, reproductive freedom and the health and well-being of all Americans. She is, without question, the most effective Speaker in history, and we are eternally grateful for her service.
CALIFORNIA - July 20, 2022 - Today, a coalition of LGBTQ+ legal and health organizations sent a letter to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) demanding the implementation of a more robust federal response to the burgeoning spread of the Monkeypox Virus (hMPXV) - including greatly expanding access to testing, gaining wider access to available vaccines, and renaming "monkeypox" to "hMPXV" to combat stigma.
SACRAMENTO - May 3, 2022 - Equality California, Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), LGBTQ Victory Institute and Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California today announced the national, queer-led rollout of trans refuge state legislation in 16 states. In response to recent executive and legislative action in states like Alabama and Texas, these trans refuge laws will shield trans kids and their families from penalties when seeking gender-affirming care.
Click here to read Senator Wiener's bill, which will serve as a template.
WASHINGTON - February 24, 2022 - Equality California and 144 partner organizations sent a letter to the "Big Three" credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and Transunion) and the Consumer Data Industry Association (CDIA) - the trade association that represents them - Thursday urging them to take needed actions to correct credit report problems for transgender and nonbinary consumers
WASHINGTON - February 8, 2022 - The United States Senate confirmed President Biden's nominee Chantale Wong to serve as the United States Director to the Asian Development Bank. When she is sworn in, Wong will make history as the first out lesbian and first out LGBTQ+ person of color to serve in an ambassador-level position in U.S. history.
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. - Mayor Lisa Middleton of the City of Palm Springs delivered a
powerful rebuke to Texas Governor Greg Abbott Thursday evening, just two days after the governor issued a dangerous directive to state agencies to begin investigating and prosecuting parents of transgender children for "child abuse." Middleton made history in 2017, when she became the first openly transgender person elected to political office in California, and again in December 2021, when she was sworn in as the Golden State's first openly transgender mayor.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Governor Gavin Newsom
signed legislation Wednesday authored by Assemblymember David Chiu (D-San Francisco) and co-sponsored by Equality California and Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis to give students at California public colleges - especially transgender and nonbinary students - the ability to have the names that reflect their gender identities printed on their diplomas. Assembly Bill 245 will ensure diplomas do not "deadname" or call the graduate by the name they were assigned at birth rather than the name they use.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Governor Gavin Newsom
signed AB 218, authored by Assemblymember Chris Ward (D-San Diego) and sponsored by Equality California, into law Wednesday afternoon. The legislation will create a process for Californian's seeking a change of gender to also request that their marriage license, certificate, and their children's birth certificates be reissued with their updated gender affirming information.
BOSTON, Mass. -August 19, 2021 - Late Wednesday, a federal court permitted plaintiffs to continue to pursue several claims in
Boston Alliance of LGBTQ+ Youth (BAGLY) et al v. HHS, a lawsuit challenging the Trump-Pence Administration's rule that seeks to undermine healthcare nondiscrimination protections contained in Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The federal government had filed a motion to dismiss the case, but the court allowed many of the claims to proceed, while postponing consideration of others that are part of other court cases challenging the rule, and dismissing only some limited parts of the suit.
BOSTON - May 11, 2021 - Minutes before a Monday federal court hearing in
Boston Alliance of LGBTQ+ Youth (BAGLY) et al v. HHS, a lawsuit challenging the Trump-Pence Administration's rule undermining healthcare nondiscrimination protections contained in Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced that the Office for Civil Rights will interpret and enforce Section 1557 and Title IX's prohibitions on discrimination based on sex to include discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. While Plaintiffs in the
BAGLY case are encouraged by the announcement, HHS's actions fell far short of addressing all of the harms from the 2020 Rollback Rule that the lawsuit challenges.
LOS ANGELES - February 2, 2021 - Today, the U.S. Senate confirmed Pete Buttigieg as Secretary of Transportation by a vote of 86-13. Secretary Buttigieg became the first openly LGBTQ+ person to be confirmed by the Senate to a cabinet level position. Equality California, the nation's largest statewide LGBTQ civil rights organization, had previously endorsed his candidacy for president in the 2020 primary election before becoming the first LGBTQ+ organization to endorse then Vice President Joe Biden in the general. Equality California, the nation's largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, released the following statement from
Executive Director Rick Chavez Zbur: "Today is an historic day for our LGBTQ+ community and our nation. The confirmation of Pete Buttigieg signals to millions of LGBTQ+ kids across our country that anything is possible and that LGBTQ+ people belong in every seat of power.
SACRAMENTO - January 15, 2021 -? Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) introduced SB 225: the Bodily Autonomy, Dignity and Choice Act, to provide children and their families a chance to make informed decisions about major surgeries to change variations in the appearance of genitalia and other sex characteristics. Under SB 225, these surgeries will be prohibited when a child is under the age of six (except in the cases where it is medically necessary), allowing for parents to continue to learn with their child and child's physician regarding the potential need for medical interventions. SB 225 is cosponsored by Equality California, interACT: Advocates for Intersex Youth, the National Center for Lesbian Rights, and the ACLU of California.
LOS ANGELES - December 22, 2020 - Governor Gavin Newsom announced Tuesday morning that he will appoint California Secretary of State Alex Padilla to serve as California's next U.S. senator, filling the vacancy that will occur when Vice President Elect-Kamala Harris is sworn in on January 20. Padilla will be the first Latino to represent California in the United States Senate.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - August 31, 2020 - The California Assembly passed Senator Scott Wiener's (D-San Francisco) bill requiring the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) to house transgender, gender-nonconforming and intersex people according to their own sense of where they will be safest on Sunday, and the Senate concurred in the Assembly's amendments Monday morning. The bill now heads to Governor Newsom for his signature. Known as the Transgender Respect, Agency and Dignity Act, SB 132 is co-sponsored by Transgender Law Center, TransLatin@ Coalition, TGI Justice Project, ACLU of California, Equality California, Lambda Legal, and Medina Orthwein LLP. The California Senate initially passed the bill in May 2019 with a bipartisan vote of 29-8. The co-sponsors then converted it to a two-year bill so that the co-sponsors and Senator Wiener could meaningfully integrate feedback collected from a survey of the ~1,200 trans, gender-nonconforming and intersex people currently in CDCR custody.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - September 11, 2020 - California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 145 on Friday evening, ending blatant discrimination against LGBTQ young people on California's sex offender registry.
Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) issued the following statement in response to the governor's action:
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - September 26, 2020 - Today, Governor Newsom signed
SB 1255 - The Equal Insurance HIV Act by Senator Lena Gonzalez (D- Long Beach) and the Senate Committee on Insurance. The Equal Insurance HIV Act will end the unjust practice of insurance companies discriminating against HIV-positive individuals. For more than thirty years insurers have been allowed to deny life and disability income insurance coverage based solely on a positive HIV test and this bill now signed into law is a significant step forward to reflect the advancements in medical treatments for people living with HIV and to ensure HIV positive individuals and their families have access to life and disability income insurance.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - September 26, 2020 - Governor Gavin Newsom signed two bills authored by Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) and co-sponsored by Equality California on Saturday:
LOS ANGELES - September 25, 2020 - After the
New York Times and
Politico confirmed on Friday that President Trump will nominate Judge Amy Coney Barrett to fill the vacancy left by Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg on the United States Supreme Court, Equality California, the nation's largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, released the follow statement from
Executive Director Rick Chavez Zbur: "In over three decades as a lawyer and LGBTQ+ civil rights advocate, I've never been this fearful for our courts, our civil rights and our democracy.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - August 31, 2020 - The California Assembly (63-0) and Senate (39-0) each gave final approval on Sunday to legislation authored by Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) and co-sponsored by Equality California to mandate that California collect and report voluntarily provided sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) data for all communicable diseases, including COVID-19. If signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom, SB 932 will be the first law in the country to require healthcare providers to report SOGI data for all reportable communicable diseases. The governor has until September 30 to consider the legislation.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - July 28, 2020 - California Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly announced new emergency regulations from the California Department of Public Health on Tuesday immediately requiring healthcare providers and local health departments to collect and report voluntary data on the gender identity and sexual orientation of patients to understand how the LGBTQ+ community is being impacted by COVID-19. Equality California, the nation's largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, and California Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) have advocated for the collection and reporting of LGBTQ+ COVID-19 data for months and introduced legislation (
SB 932) in May to require such data collection and reporting. The bill was recently amended to cover
all reportable diseases.
WASHINGTON - July 21, 2020 - President Donald Trump
signed a memorandum on Tuesday seeking to exclude undocumented people from being counted in congressional reapportionment in direct violation of Section 2 of the 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution.
WASHINGTON - December 13, 2019 - Equality California, the nation's largest statewide LGBTQ civil rights organization, released the following statement from Executive Director Rick Zbur: "Since his first day in office, President Trump and his Administration have attacked the LGBTQ community. We have opposed his heartless, discriminatory actions every step of the way. And we are committed to defeating his anti-LGBTQ agenda in 2020. But impeaching a president should not be taken lightly. It is not something done over policy differences - even ones that are as deeply felt and serious as ours.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - October 12, 2019 - The State of California furthered its commitment to protecting LGBTQ young people today as California Governor Gavin Newsom signed the
Safe and Supportive Schools Act of 2019 (AB 493) authored by Assemblymember Todd Gloria (D-San Diego) and co-sponsored by Equality California and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond. The legislation creates safer and more supportive school environments for LGBTQ youth by encouraging school districts to provide teachers with information on resources available to support LGBTQ students and requires the California Department of Education to develop relevant training programs for teachers no later than July 1, 2021.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - October 7, 2019 - California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) and Asm. Todd Gloria's (D-San Diego)
SB 159 - co-sponsored by Equality California - on Monday, expanding access to life-saving HIV prevention medication. When SB 159 goes into effect on January 1, 2020, California will become the first state in the nation to authorize pharmacists to furnish at least a 30-day supply - and up to a 60-day supply - of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and a complete course of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) without a physician's prescription. The legislation also prohibits insurance companies from requiring "step therapy" or prior authorization for anti-retroviral drugs, including PrEP and PEP. The bill is a key step in California's work to eliminate HIV and delivers on Newsom's campaign pledge to take aggressive action to end the HIV epidemic.
MODESTO - August 13, 2019 The City of Modesto has denied a permit for the National Straight Pride Coalition - an extreme anti-LGBTQ and white supremacist group - to hold a "straight pride" event in the city. However, organizers say they still plan to hold the event,
with or without a permit. The so-called "straight pride" event is being promoted under the seemingly innocuous guise of being a free speech celebration, however the group's
website makes it clear that the event is aimed at highlighting the "evil of the Homosexual/Sodomy Movement," the supremacy of western culture and whiteness and the "existence of only two genders." The Coalition is a small group of radical organizers who have attempted to organize hate-filled events and mobilize ahead of the 2020 election. The Proud Boys, a violent white supremacist hate group, is also expected to participate in the event. U.S. Representative Josh Harder (D-Turlock), who represents Modesto in Congress,
has condemned the event.
Executive Director Rick Zbur: "The 15,000 transgender Americans risking their lives for our country deserve better. Our nation deserves better."
WASHINGTON - March 12, 2019 - Equality California, the nation's largest statewide LGBTQ civil rights organization and the organizational plaintiff in a lawsuit challenging the ban on transgender military service (Stockman v. Trump), released the following statement from Executive Director Rick Zbur in response to the Department of Defense's release today of guidelines for implementing the ban, which would take effect April 12:
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - February 7, 2018 - After President Trump pledged to work to end HIV transmissions by 2030 during his State of the Union address, California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara joined Equality California in calling on the White House to take concrete steps to expand access to quality, affordable health care and lifesaving medication in order to reach the goal.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - January 7, 2019 - Equality California, the nation's largest statewide LGBTQ civil rights organization, released the following statement from Executive Director Rick Zbur on Monday: "Governor Jerry Brown has long championed the cause of LGBTQ equality in California, making more progress in his four terms than any other governor in the nation to date. From
decriminalizing same-sex relationships in 1975 and
appointing the state's first openly gay judge in 1979 to signing more than 55 pro-equality bills into law during the last eight years, Governor Brown has affirmed his commitment to ensuring all Californians are treated with equal dignity and respect. We have not always agreed with the governor's approach to achieving full LGBTQ equality, but we have never once doubted his sincere dedication to our cause.
SAN FRANCISCO - February 4, 2019 - Today, Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) and a coalition of civil rights, intersex, healthcare and LGBT advocates announced legislation to ensure intersex babies - "intersex" being a term used for people born with variations in their sex characteristics, including genitalia - can provide informed consent before undergoing medically unnecessary surgeries that can effectively assign them a gender (before they can decide for themselves) and that can irreversibly harm them. Senate Bill 201 would not prohibit treatment or surgery when it is medically necessary; it simply prohibits cosmetic surgeries on babies that are medically unnecessary and based on a desire to "normalize" a child's genitals. Some of these surgeries include, reducing a clitoris, creating a vagina or removing healthy gonadal tissue.
SAN DIEGO, Calif. - Spetember 17, 2018 – Today,
California State Assemblymember Todd Gloria (D-San Diego) announced Governor Jerry Brown's signing of his bill,
AB 2119 – landmark transgender rights legislation guaranteeing the right of California's foster youth to access healthcare services consistent with their gender identity. AB 2119 is the first bill of its kind in the United States.
WASHINGTON - September 16, 2018 - Equality California, the nation's largest statewide LGBTQ civil rights organization, released the following statement from Executive Director Rick Zbur on Sunday, in response to Christine Blasey Ford
speaking out about the allegations of sexual assault against Judge Brett Kavanaugh:
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - September 27, 2018 - Governor Jerry Brown signed SB 918, the Homeless Youth Act of 2018, authored by Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) and Assemblymember Blanca Rubio (D-Baldwin Park) and co-sponsored by Equality California, on Thursday. Following an historic $25 million investment in combating youth homelessness included in California's 2018 Budget, SB 918 provides resources for housing, services and supports for youth experiencing homelessness and tasks the state's Homeless Coordinating and Financing Council with overseeing the program.
RIVERSIDE, Calif. - September 18, 2018 - The U.S. District Court for the Central District of California rejected the Trump-Pence Administration's latest attempt to implement its discriminatory transgender military ban Tuesday,
denying a motion to dissolve the nationwide preliminary injunction previously issued in a lawsuit filed by Equality California and seven active duty service members and recruits seeking to join the military.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - August 29, 2018 - The California Assembly passed
AB 2153 - legislation to provide the state's teachers and school staff with the tools and training they need to support their LGBTQ students - Wednesday evening with strong bipartisan support, following a similarly bipartisan 33-3 vote in the Senate on Monday. The bill is authored by Assemblymember Tony Thurmond (D-Richmond) and sponsored by Equality California, the nation's largest statewide LGBTQ civil rights organization, and now heads to Governor Jerry Brown for his signature.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - August 16, 2018 - The California Senate passed Assemblymember Evan Low's (D-Silicon Valley) bill to protect LGBTQ Californians from so-called "conversion therapy" in a vote of 25-11. The legislation is cosponsored by Equality California, the nation's largest statewide LGBTQ civil rights organization, and the Trevor Project and would make clear that claiming to be able to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity - or attempting to do so - in exchange for payment is a fraudulent business practice.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - August 24, 2018 - Earlier today, California Governor Jerry Brown
signed AB 2719, authored by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) and co-sponsored by Equality California and SAGE. This new law adds sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression to the definition of elderly communities to be given priority consideration for programs and services administered through the California Department of Aging.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - April 19, 2018 - Legislation to ban efforts to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity, sometimes called "conversion therapy" or "reparative therapy," passed in the California Assembly this morning with a bipartisan vote of 50-14 (pending additional votes from members who were not present in the chamber at the time of the initial tally). Assemblymember Evan Low's AB 2943, cosponsored by
Equality California and
the Trevor Project, would make California the first state in the nation to ban these widely discredited practices from being performed on both children and adults.
Sacramento - February 21, 2018 -Today,
Equality California announced its 2018 sponsored legislative package, including seven Assembly bills and one Senate bill. The proposed legislation focuses on the most vulnerable among the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) community, addressing disparities in health and well-being that stem from longstanding discrimination and lack of acceptance towards the LGBTQ community.
Sacramento - January 11, 2018 –
Equality California today released its
Legislative Scorecard for 2017, rating lawmakers in both Sacramento and Washington, D.C. on how they voted on Equality California's highest priority legislation.
Los Angeles - January 10, 2018 -
Equality California Executive Director Rick Zbur today issued the following statement on the appointment of Senator Kamala Harris to the Senate Judiciary Committee "Equality California is delighted that Senator Kamala Harris was appointed to the key Senate Judiciary Committee yesterday.
Sacramento - January 30, 2018 - Today,
Equality California announced its endorsement of Gavin Newsom for California Governor. Newsom is currently California's Lieutenant Governor and previously served as the Mayor of San Francisco.
Los Angeles - January 31, 2018 -Today,
Equality California announced that it has signed onto an
amicus (friend-of-the-court) brief with The National Women's Law Center, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, and 85 additional organizations in
Janus vs. the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. The brief urges the U.S. Supreme Court to stand by the rights of unions, who provide crucial professional and economic opportunities for workers in the United States, including for women, people of color and the LGBTQ community.
Los Angeles - January 16, 2018 – Today,
Equality California released the following statement regarding the murder of Blaze Bernstein, a gay college student at the University of Pennsylvania, who's death in Orange County is being investigated as a possible hate crime. "We are saddened by the horrific loss of Blaze Bernstein, who lived his life as a proud member of the LGBTQ community. We extend our deepest condolences to his family." Said Rick Zbur, Executive Director at Equality California. "We expect a thorough investigation into the claims that this was a hate-crime motivated by 'gay-panic.' We are horrified by the details emerging that this senseless act of violence may have been motivated by homophobic sentiments, and if this is in fact the case, we hope this hate crime is prosecuted at the full-extent of the law. Blaze Bernstein and his family deserve justice."
Sacramento - December 7, 2017 – Today, Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de León announced that Senator Toni Atkins is the consensus pick of the Senate Democratic Caucus to succeed him as leader. The formal vote will be held in early January and the transition will be take place later in the year.
Equality California Executive Director Rick Zbur issued the following statement in response: "Senator Toni Atkins is one of the LGBTQ community's most respected and effective leaders and her upcoming election as the Senate President Pro Tem breaks multiple glass ceilings. Not only will she be the first woman to serve as leader of the California Senate, but Senator Atkins will also be the first LGBTQ person to serve in that role. This follows on her historic career in the Assembly where she became the first lesbian Speaker. Electing role models like Senator Atkins is important to the LGBTQ community because it sends a clear message to our community across the country, particularly LGBTQ youth, that LGBTQ people can achieve anything. By having a seat at the table, LGBTQ elected officials can speak with their colleagues with authenticity and first-hand experience on issues that affect our community.
San Francisco - December 12, 2017 – Equality California Executive Director Rick Zbur today issued the following statement on the passing of San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee: "The City of San Francisco and State of California have lost a key ally in the fight for LGBTQ civil rights and social justice. Throughout his career as a civil rights attorney, civil servant and eventually as the city's first Asian American mayor, Mayor Ed Lee was a tireless champion for equality for all the diverse communities that make up San Francisco. He was a founding member of the 'Mayors Against LGBT Discrimination' coalition, a coalition of city leaders that applies political and economic pressure to stop discriminatory laws from spreading in the United States. He fought to backfill tens of millions of dollars in federal cuts to essential HIV services, which saved thousands of lives. As the first mayor to attend the San Francisco Trans March, he reaffirmed his commitment to the transgender community by creating the nation's first position dedicated to transgender issues with the newly created post of senior advisor for transgender initiatives. He also barred public funding for city employees' travel to North Carolina in protest of the state's law prohibiting localities from passing legislation to protect LGBT rights. Equality California mourns the passing of Mayor Lee and will keep his wife, Anita, and his daughters, Brianna and Tania, in our thoughts and prayers."
Los Angeles - December 5, 2017 – In light of today's oral arguments on the Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission Supreme Court case,
Equality California Executive Director Rick Zbur issued the following statement: "This case has never been simply about cake – it is about discrimination in this country. If we allow businesses to pick and choose who they serve based on who an individual loves or how they identify, then we as a country relegate LGBTQ people to second class citizenship. The use of so-called religious exemptions is part of the strategy anti-LGBTQ forces use to gut hard-fought LGBTQ civil rights protections where they exist. The Supreme Court's decision will have far reaching consequences for more than the LGBTQ community, and we urge the court to continue to stand for freedom and justice for all."
LOS ANGELES - November 9, 2017 – Attorney General Xavier Becerra yesterday filed a
motion to intervene as a party plaintiff in
Stockman v. Trump, the suit fighting the transgender military ban. Filed on behalf of
Equality California members and seven individual plaintiffs being harmed by the ban, Stockman v. Trump challenges the constitutionality of President Donald Trump's August 25 directive banning transgender people from enlisting or serving openly in the military.
Los Angeles, November 21, 2017 —Today,
Equality California applauded U.S. District Judge Marvin Garbis in the District of Maryland as he issued a preliminary injunction in
Stone v. Trump, a case brought by the ACLU challenging Trump's transgender military ban. This new ruling affirms the nationwide preliminary injunction issued in
Doe v. Trump on October 30.
Los Angeles - November 30, 2017 - Tomorrow,
Equality California will observe the 30th annual World AIDS Day. Equality California Executive Director Rick Zbur issued the following statement "On this thirtieth year of World AIDS Day, we remember the millions we have lost to AIDS, celebrate the numerous scientific and policy advances in treatment and prevention, and pledge to support the worldwide 'getting to zero' efforts – zero HIV transmissions, zero AIDS-related deaths, and zero stigma against people living with HIV.
Los Angeles - November 8, 2017 – Palm Springs City Council Candidate Lisa Middleton will become the first out transgender person elected to a non-judicial office in California with her commanding first place win in today's election. Additionally, Palm Springs City Council Candidate Christy Holstege will become another LGBTQ voice on the Palm Springs City Council as the winner of the second open seat. Equality California endorsed both candidates and spent thousands of dollars in direct contributions, independent expenditures and member-to-member communications to help elect them.
Sacramento - October 17, 2017 - With his signature on Sunday of Senate Bill (SB) 179, authored by Sen. Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) and Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), and SB 310 (Atkins), California Governor Jerry Brown has signed seven Equality California-sponsored bills, ending the 2017 legislative session and bringing the total number of resolutions and bills successfully sponsored by Equality California over the organization's history to 127. In addition, lawmakers this session approved two resolutions sponsored by
Equality California
Sacramento - October 4, 2017 –California Governor Jerry Brown today signed a bill that creates a "bill of rights" for LGBTQ seniors in long-term care. Senate Bill (SB) 219, authored by Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) and sponsored by
Equality California, will help protect seniors from discrimination or mistreatment in long-term care facilities.
Sacramento, Calif. - October 6, 2017 –California Gov. Jerry Brown today signed a bill to reform California's sex offender registry, creating a tiered system that will make the registry a more effective tool for law enforcement and bring California's system in line with the rest of the United States. SB 384 was authored by Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) and co-authored by Senators Joel Anderson (R- Alpine), Holly Mitchell (D-Los Angeles), and Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley). The bill was sponsored by
Equality California, Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey, the California Coalition Against Sexual Assault, and the California Sex Offender Management Board and was endorsed by the California Police Chiefs Association and various county sheriffs.
Sacramento, Calif. - October 6, 2017 - - Governor Jerry Brown today signed into law landmark legislation to reform outdated laws that unfairly criminalized and stigmatized people living with HIV. Senate Bill (SB) 239 was authored by Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) and Asm. Todd Gloria (D-San Diego) and cosponsored by
Equality California, the ACLU of California, APLA Health, Black AIDS Institute, Lambda Legal and Positive Women's Network – USA. These organizations are part of Californians for HIV Criminalization Reform (CHCR), a broad coalition of people living with HIV, HIV and health service providers, civil rights organizations and public health professionals dedicated to ending the criminalization of people living with HIV in California.
Los Angeles, CA - October 23, 2017 – Today, the Department of Justice (DOJ) filed a motion to dismiss and a motion opposing emergency relief in
Stockman v. Trump, the transgender military ban suit filed on behalf of
Equality California (EQCA) members and seven individual plaintiffs being harmed by the ban. EQCA along with the
National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) and GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD), co-counsel in the case and the LGBT legal organizations leading the fight against the ban, slammed the government's response for ignoring the harms this dangerous policy is inflicting on our nation's service members and transgender individuals who want to enlist but can't.
Sacramento CA - September 13, 2017–The California Legislature today approved a bill that would create a "bill of rights" for LGBTQ seniors in long-term care. Senate Bill (SB) 219, authored by Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) and sponsored by
Equality California, would help protect seniors from discrimination or mistreatment in long-term care facilities and provide standards for culturally-competent care.
Sacramento, CA, September 15, 2017 –The California Legislature last night approved a bill that would make it easier to change gender markers on state-issued identification documents as well as create a gender-neutral, non-binary category in addition to "male" and "female." Senate Bill (SB) 179, authored by Sens. Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) and Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) and sponsored by
Equality California and the
Transgender Law Center, would make California the second state in the country, after Oregon, to legally recognize a nonbinary gender.
Sacramento, CA - September 14, 2017 - The California Legislature today approved a bill that would help ensure that transgender people are recognized for who they are while incarcerated and would increase their likelihood of successful reentry into society on release. Senate Bill (SB) 310, by Sen. Toni Atkins (D-San Diego), would require corrections officials to use the new name of a transgender person who obtains a name change, and to list the prior name only as an alias.
Sacramento, CA - September 16, 2017 – The California Legislature early Saturday morning approved a bill to reform California's sex offender registry, creating a tiered system that will make the registry a more effective tool for law enforcement and bring California's system in line with the rest of the United States. SB 384 was authored by Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) and co-authored by Senators Joel Anderson (R- Alpine), Holly Mitchell (D-Los Angeles), and Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley). The bill was sponsored by
Equality California, Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey, the California Coalition Against Sexual Assault, and the California Sex Offender Management Board and was endorsed by the California Police Chiefs Association and various county sheriffs.
SAN FRANCISCO - On Thursday, Sept. 29, the California Department of Education's Instructional Quality Commission (IQC) voted to approve 10 History-Social Science K-8 textbooks which were inclusive of the LGBTQ content mandated by the state's 2016 History-Social Science Framework. Most were approved conditional upon edits provided by the FAIR Education Act Implementation Coalition, a group of LGBTQ advocacy and educational organizations formed to ensure implementation of the state's 2012 FAIR Education Act, which requires the inclusion of the political, economic, and social contributions of LGBTQ people and people with disabilities in California textbooks.
Los Angeles, CA - September 5, 2017 -
Equality California filed a lawsuit today in United States District Court for the Central District of California challenging the constitutionality of President Donald Trump's August 25 directive banning transgender people from enlisting or serving openly in the military, and denying them medically necessary healthcare.
Sacramento, CA - September 22, 2017- The California Legislature has sent seven Equality California-sponsored bills to Governor Jerry Brown for his signature. In addition, lawmakers approved two resolutions sponsored by
Equality California. If the bills are signed into law, it will bring to 127 the number of pieces of legislation advanced by Equality California to advance the health and wellbeing of LGBTQ people.
Los Angeles - September 5, 2017 -Today, President Donald Trump issued an executive order revoking the temporary legal immigration status of hundreds of thousands of young people raised in the United States. The directive effectively voids an Obama-era program granting temporary legal status to undocumented immigrants under 30 who arrived in the United States as children. Enacted in 2012, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) allows those young people, often called DREAMers, to live and work in the United States for a renewable period of two years. Enforcement of the order will be delayed for six months to give Congress time to give Congress time to consider and pass legislation.
Los Angeles - October 3, 2017 – In response to today's "no" vote by the United States on a United Nations Human Rights Council resolution condemning discriminatory use of the death penalty, including in countries where it is directed at LGBTQ people,
Equality California executive director Rick Zbur issued the following statement: "We are disappointed but not surprised that our country today once again chose to stand, not with other industrialized democracies, but with Iraq, Saudi Arabia and China in supporting a resolution that simply calls upon U.N. member states to not apply the death penalty in a discriminatory manner. As the resolution recognizes, the death penalty has been used disproporationately around the world to target the poor, foreign nationals, political dissidents, women, ethnic and religious minorities and LGBTQ people.
Sacramento - September 11, 2017–The California Legislature has passed a resolution calling on Congress and the president to condemn violence against gay men in Chechnya. Assembly Joint Resolution (AJR 16), by Assemblymembers Evan Low (D-Silicon Valley) and Jordan Cunningham (R-Templeton) and sponsored by
Equality California, also calls on the president to encourage immigration authorities to grant asylum and refugee status to LGBTQ people and others fleeing persecution.
Sacramento, CA - September 15, 2017 –The California Legislature has passed a resolution condemning the Trump Administration's ban on service in the military by transgender people and calling on the governor of California to direct the California National Guard to take no action that discriminates against transgender service members on the basis of their gender identity or expression, unless superseded by federal law. Assembly Joint Resolution (AJR) 22 was authored by Asm. Evan Low (D-Silicon Valley) and sponsored by
Equality California.
Sacramento - August 29, 2017 -Citing escalating hate crimes by both organized hate groups and individuals,
Equality California joined eight other major civil rights organizations to call on the California Legislature to order a comprehensive evaluation of law enforcement agencies' efforts to protect Californians from hate crimes.
Fresno, Calif. - August 18, 2017 -
Equality California has sent a
letter to members of the Fresno Unified School District Board of Trustees urging them to obtain a pledge from interim Fresno Superintendent Bob Nelson, announced as the "finalist" in the district's search for a new superintendent, to participate in Equality California's Safe and Supportive Schools Index if confirmed for the position. The district hopes to announce its new leader next week. The Index is currently being developed by Equality California and its partners to provide an in-depth look at how well California schools are meeting their responsibility to protect LGBTQ students.
Rocklin, Calif. - August 29, 2017 -
Equality California has sent a
letter to Rocklin Academy officials applauding the school for its support of a transgender kindergarten student following the reading of a book geared toward that age group by transgender teen and reality TV star Jazz Jennings. As a result of activities by right-wing advocacy groups, a number of parents complained after a transgender student brought the book "I am Jazz" to share with students in her kindergarten class. The book discusses Jennings' childhood, what it is to be transgender and a message of respect and inclusion for everyone.
Los Angeles - August 25, 2017 – In response to a memo issued today by the White House on the expulsion of transgender service members from the U.S. military,
Equality California Executive Director Rick Zbur issued the following statement: "This purge of heroic servicemembers by a man who himself avoided military service is unfair, cruel and un-American. The proposed expulsions violate the very values that make us American, including equal opportunity and protection under the law and the ability of each of us to rise to the levels of our own talents. Trump has joined the ranks of Tayyip Recep Erdogan, Kim Jong-un and other modern autocrats who resort to purges and targeting of vulnerable communities to distract the public and to maintain their hold on power. He also has sent a clear message to LGBTQ people that his government does not consider our community to be worthy of equal treatment under the law but instead to be second class citizens. The guidance issued by the White House, if implemented, would represent a significant step backwards in the movement for LGBTQ civil rights which Equality California will fight with all its resources.
Los Angeles - August 14, 2017 -In response to the weekend's ongoing violence at the hands of white supremacists in Charlottesville, Virginia and today's statement by President Donald Trump,
Equality California Executive Director Rick Zbur issued the following statement: "Equality California joins people of good conscience across the country in expressing our shock and disbelief at this weekend's expression of raw hatred and bigotry on display in Charlottesville, and we extend our sincere sympathies to the families of the victims of violence at the hands of white supremacists.
Washington, D.C. - July 28, 2017 – In response to the dramatic Senate vote which ended attempts by Republican leadership to repeal the Affordable Care Act,
Equality California Executive Director Rick Zbur issued the following statement: "Repeated efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act collapsed late last night thanks to the hundreds of thousands of LGBTQ and other Americans who attended town hall meetings and rallies, made phone calls to their elected officials, sent emails, wrote letters and kept the pressure on senators. Passage of the bill would have cost thousands of LGBTQ lives and we're profoundly grateful to all who took a courageous stand.
Los Angeles – July 7, 2017 Equality California today expressed its opposition to President Donald Trump's nomination of Eric Dreiband, a lawyer who recently represented the University of North Carolina in its decision to implement provisions of that state's odious "bathroom bill", to serve as the Department of Justice's head of Civil Rights Enforcement.
Sacramento - June 8, 2017 -Eight bills sponsored by
Equality California cleared their houses of origin last week in the California Legislature.
Los Angeles - June 12, 2017 - In honor of the June 12 anniversary of the deaths of 49 LGBTQ people and allies at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Florida,
Equality California Executive Director Rick Zbur issued the following statement: "One year ago, the worst mass shooting in U.S. history forced our community to confront the fact that the sickeningly repetitive cycle of American gun violence is itself an LGBTQ issue. In response, Equality California launched its #SafeAndEqual initiative to support stricter gun safety laws in California, resulting in the passage of six bills and Proposition 63 that give our state the nation's strictest gun protections. Nationally, progress has been far slower – as evidenced by last week's shootings in Orlando almost exactly a year after our community's loss. We will honor the memory of those murdered a year ago at Pulse by continuing to fight in California and in Washington, D.C. until our community and all Americans are safe from gun violence."
Los Angeles – In response to the Senate's just-released bill that would repeal portions of the Affordable Care Act,
Equality California Executive Director Rick Zbur issued the following statement: "The bill unveiled today by the Senate isn't just mean, as Donald Trump himself admits about the House version, it's immoral. If passed, it will have a devastating impact on the health and lives of millions of LGBTQ people and people living with HIV, who will lose health insurance under the Senate bill.
Sacramento - June 26, 2017 – By a unanimous vote, the California Assembly has approved a resolution calling on Congress and the president to condemn violence against gay men in Chechnya. Assembly Joint Resolution (AJR 16), by Assemblymembers Evan Low (D-Silicon Valley) and Jordan Cunningham (R-Templeton) and sponsored by
Equality California, also calls on the president to encourage immigration authorities to grant asylum and refugee status to LGBTQ people and others fleeing persecution.
Los Angeles - In honor of June Pride month,
Equality California Executive Director Rick Zbur issued the following statement: "Last November's election of Donald Trump dispelled any illusion that our battle for full equality is over, and this year's Pride marches will represent an expression of resistance and grim determination from a community that has been the target of discrimination, lack of acceptance and hostility.
May 31, 2017 - SB 179, the Gender Recognition Act advanced out of the California state senate today.
Transgender Law Center (TLC) is proud to have drafted and sponsored the legislation which will empower more transgender, intersex and nonbinary people to more easily obtain state-issued identity documents that accurately reflect their gender. The bill is being authored by Senators Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) and Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) and is sponsored by
TLC and
Equality California.
Washington, D.C - May 2, 2017 - A bill that would ban discrimination against LGBT people under federal law was reintroduced today in both houses of Congress.
Los Angeles - May 4, 2017 – In response to Donald Trump's executive order today greatly expanding the ability of tax-exempt religious organizations to engage in political activity,
Equality California Executive Director Rick Zbur issued the following statement: "Our government was designed to respect everyone's right to follow the dictates of their faith while not favoring one religion over another. The precious freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment were never intended as a cudgel for use against anyone of whom followers of one religion or another don't approve.
Los Angeles - May 4, 2017 – In response to today's vote by the U.S. House of Representatives repealing portions of the Affordable Healthcare Act,
Equality California Executive Director Rick Zbur issued the following statement: "Today, the GOP-led House voted to gut healthcare coverage for millions of Americans, a move with devastating consequences for millions of LGBTQ people who depend on the Affordable Care Act for quality, affordable healthcare. The Republican plan raises taxes on vulnerable seniors, eviscerates Medicaid, strips coverage for essential healthcare services and eliminates the ACA's mandate to cover preexisting conditions. That move alone endangers the health and lives of people living with HIV and imperils vital coverage for transgender people.
Los Angeles – May 1, 2017 In response to today's announcement from the U.S. Supreme Court that it will not hear
Welch v. Brown, a case challenging California's ban on so-called "conversion therapy" on the grounds that it violates constitutional religious freedom protections,
Equality California Executive Director Rick Zbur issued the following statement: "Today's announcement is good news for thousands of LGBT youth nationwide, especially in states that do not yet ban so-called 'conversion therapy.' Homosexuality is not a condition that needs curing. However, we do know that the practice of trying to change sexual orientation not only doesn't work, but puts vulnerable LGBT young people at risk of depression, substance abuse, homelessness and suicide. It flies in the face of a consensus of respected health organizations – including the American Psychiatric Association, the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and other groups – that efforts to change a young person's sexual orientation are harmful. Even so, thousands of LGBT youth are forced to submit to such programs across the country every year and thousands of 'therapists' are more than willing to take their money."
Sacramento - March 28, 2017 – A bill that would modernize California's laws that criminalize and stigmatize people living with HIV today cleared its first major legislative hurdle. The Senate Public Safety Committee approved Senate Bill (SB) 239 by a vote of 5-2. The bill is authored by Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) and Asm. Todd Gloria (D-San Diego) and cosponsored by the ACLU of California, APLA Health, Black AIDS Institute, Equality California, Lambda Legal and Positive Women's Network - USA. The organizations are part of Californians for HIV Criminalization Reform (CHCR), a broad coalition of people living with HIV, HIV and health service providers, civil rights organizations and public health professionals dedicated to ending the criminalization of HIV in California. SB 239 is also co-authored by Senators Toni Atkins (D-San Diego), Nancy Skinner (D-Berkley) and Holly Mitchell (D-Los Angeles) and Assemblymembers David Chiu (D-San Francisco) and Susan Eggman (D-Stockton.)
Los Angeles February 12, 2017 –In response to a Justice Department announcement that it is withdrawing its request for a stay of an injunction on enforcement of Obama-era guidelines protecting transgender students,
Equality California Executive Director Rick Zbur issued the following statement: "Two weeks after pulling back on an on-again, off-again executive order that would have allowed sweeping religious exemptions to requirements protecting LGBT people from discrimination, the Trump Administration has reminded us that rollbacks of LGBT civil rights do not have to be thunderous or accompanied by great fanfare. They can happen quietly, incrementally, while the nation is otherwise distracted.
Sacramento - February 28, 2017 -
Equality California today announced the initial 10 sponsored bills of its 2017 legislative package. "The LGBT community faces significant challenges in Washington and across the country with attempts to roll back LGBT civil rights along with programs that LGBT people depend on, such as the Affordable Care Act," said Rick Zbur, executive director of Equality California. "At the same time, California must not just hold the line, but continue to make progress in our goal of achieving full equality and social justice for LGBT people. In the coming years, our state can serve as a beacon of hope for the rest of the nation. This year's legislative package is part of our continuing effort to address the disparities that LGBT people face as a result of longstanding discrimination and lack of acceptance."
Los Angeles - February 17, 2017 -In response to yesterday's vote by the U.S. House of Representatives to overturn an Obama-era rule prohibiting states from denying federal family planning funding to Planned Parenthood or other organizations because they also offer abortion care,
Equality California Executive Director Rick Zbur issued the following statement: "While the House did not vote outright to end federal funding of Planned Parenthood, yesterday's vote is still an assault on vital health services for women and for hundreds of thousands of LGBT people across the country. Federal rules already prohibit federal funds from supporting abortion services. If also approved by the Senate, the vote would allow states to remove federal funding for basic healthcare services provided by Planned Parenthood if they choose to do so.
Washington, D.C. - February 22, 2017 -Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly issued dual memos on Tuesday detailing how his department will implement executive orders on immigration issued in the first week of Donald Trump's presidency. The memos outline an aggressive augmentation of the nation's immigration enforcement, including the hiring of 10,000 Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and 5,000 Border Patrol agents to carry out deportations.
Los Angeles - February 22, 2017 - In response to an announcement expected from the Trump Adminstration that it plans to rescind Obama-era guidelines protecting the right of transgender students nationwide to use restrooms and other facilities corresponding to their gender identity,
Equality California Executive Director Rick Zbur issued the following statement: "The guidelines in question protect the basic dignity and safety that transgender students not only deserve, but to which they are legally entitled. They were based on over a decade of case law and proven best practices from schools around the country. The nation's education leaders--including the leading associations of teachers, principals, pediatricians, and school counselors and psychologists--support treating all students equally and consistent with their gender identity. The Administration is sending a dangerous message to school administrators and to students themselves that the wellbeing and safety of transgender students is not worthy of protection.
San Francisco - February 6, 2017 – Today, Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) and Assemblymember Todd Gloria (D-San Diego) introduced a bill to modernize laws that criminalize and stigmatize people living with HIV. Assemblymember David Chiu is also a co-author of the bill. SB 239 would amend California's HIV criminalization laws, enacted in the 1980s and '90s at a time of fear and ignorance about HIV and its transmission, to make them consistent with laws involving other serious communicable diseases. The bill is cosponsored by the ACLU of California, APLA Health, Black AIDS Institute, Equality California, Lambda Legal and Positive Women's Network - USA. The organizations are part of Californians for HIV Criminalization Reform (CHCR), a broad coalition of people living with HIV, HIV and health service providers, civil rights organizations and public health professionals dedicated to ending the criminalization of HIV in California. San Francisco Supervisor Jeff Sheehy also attended the announcement.
Sacramento - January 26, 2017 -Senators Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) and Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) today announced legislation to enable more transgender, intersex and nonbinary people to obtain state-issued identity documents that accurately reflect their gender. The bill is sponsored by
Equality California and the
Transgender Law Center.
Los Angeles - January 5, 2017 - In response to today's announcement by House Speaker Paul Ryan that he intends to target Planned Parenthood funding in his attempt to repeal the Affordable Care Act,
Equality California Executive Director Rick Zbur issued the following statement: "Equality California is calling on all members of the LGBT community and our allies to contact their members of Congress today to protect healthcare for LGBT people and all Americans provided through Planned Parenthood. Federal law already prohibits Planned Parenthood from using federal funds for abortion services. But Speaker Ryan's plan endangers a vital health lifeline not only for women, but for tens of thousands of LGBT Californians and for hundreds of thousands of LGBT people across the country. Planned Parenthood offers transgender health services, lifesaving cancer screenings, STI testing and treatment, and sexual healthcare information and education, among other things. Planned Parenthood is a strong ally in the fight for full LGBT equality--including supporting the recently introduced federal Equality Act and other legislative priorities. Planned Parenthood also has joined Equality California in strongly advocating for comprehensive, LGBT-inclusive sex education for our nation's young people.
January 31, 2017 - In response to today's nomination by Donald Trump of 10th Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Neil Gorsuch to the U.S. Supreme Court,
Equality California Executive Director Rick Zbur issued the following statement: "Judge Gorsuch gained national attention for his opinions in two federal cases supporting an employer's right to refuse to pay for contraception as part of employee health coverage if doing so violates the employer's religious beliefs. That bodes ill for LGBT people who are facing an onslaught of laws sanctioning discrimination in the name of religious liberty.
Los Angeles - January 20, 2017 - In connection with today's inauguration of Donald Trump,
Equality California Executive Director Rick Zbur issued the following statement "After a campaign that targeted women, immigrants, Muslims, people of color and LGBT people and was more divisive than any in living memory, the LGBT community has reason for great concern today. Since his election, Donald Trump has demonstrated a troubling lack of respect for many of the laws and traditions that are at the heart of our democracy-including freedom of the press and governmental transparency and ethics requirements. President Trump's attacks on critics, vilification of reporters and his threats to deny press access to the White House signal surprising hostility to institutions that are vital to a free people. In addition, he has appointed to his cabinet a line-up of nominees that reads like a who's-who of the anti-LGBT right, a cabinet more hostile to LGBT people than any in the past two decades.
Washington, D.C. - January 11, 2017 - In connection with ongoing confirmation hearings,
Equality California has requested that senators question Secretary of State nominee Rex Tillerson on whether he would continue the State Department's existing broad commitment to global LGBT human rights if he is confirmed as U.S. secretary of state.
Washington, D.C. - January 12, 2017 - In connection with Thursday's confirmation hearings, Equality California has requested that senators thoroughly address the record of Secretary of Housing and Urban Development nominee Dr. Ben Carson on LGBT civil rights, and, if confirmed, whether he would continue existing HUD policies and programs protecting LGBT people and their families from discrimination in housing.
Washington, D.C. - January 13, 2017 - Equality California has sent a
letter to members of the California congressional delegation urging them not to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA) without a replacement that provides better healthcare for the American people.
Washington, D.C. - January 16, 2017 - Ahead of Tuesday's confirmation hearing of Betsy DeVos, nominee for U.S. Secretary of Education,
Equality California requested that U.S. senators carefully examine her views on challenges facing LGBT students, including bullying, access to school bathrooms, other facilities and programs for transgender students, and the application of Title IX to sexual assault in K-12 schools and on college campuses.
Washington, D.C. - January 17, 2017 - Equality California has requested that members of the United States Senate probe the views and record of Rep. Tom Price (R-Georgia), Donald Trump's nominee for secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), regarding challenges facing LGBT people. Price's confirmation hearing is currently scheduled for 10:00 am Eastern time tomorrow.
Los Angeles–In advance of U.S. Senate confirmation hearings for Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Alabama) as U.S. attorney general,
Equality California Executive Director Rick Zbur issued the following statement: "Sen. Jeff Sessions' long record of disinterest in, at best, or outright hostility to protecting the civil rights of LGBT people, women and communities of color disqualifies him from serving as U.S. attorney general. His record has demonstrated that he is incapable of performing one of the chief duties of the office: ensuring that our nation's civil and voting rights laws are enforced fairly and thoroughly.
Washington, D.C. - January 26, 2017 -- President Donald Trump issued twin executive orders on Wednesday directing the Department of Homeland Security to begin constructing a $20 billion wall along the U.S.-Mexican border and to hire 10,000 Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and 5,000 Border Patrol agents to carry out deportations. The executive actions also block "sanctuary cities" from receiving federal funding.
Sacramento January 31, 2017– Today, Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) will introduce the HEAL (Help End Antiretroviral-related Lipodystrophy) Act, requiring insurance companies and government programs to cover medical treatment for lipodystrophy. The condition, causing changes in body fat distribution, impacts many HIV-positive people who took life-saving early, highly toxic HIV medication.
Equality California is sponsoring the bill.
Sacramento - February 2, 2017
– Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) today announced the introduction of SB 219, the California LGBT Seniors Long-Term Care Bill of Rights, which will strengthen protections for LGBT seniors living in long-term care facilities against discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or HIV status. The bill would protect all seniors living in skilled nursing facilities, immediate care facilities, and residential care facilities. The bill is co-authored by Assemblymember David Chiu (D-San Francisco) and sponsored by Equality California. It is supported by the American Civil Liberties Union and the San Francisco Human Rights Commission.
Los Angeles - November 18, 2016 - In recognition of the 18th annual Transgender Day of Remembrance,
Equality California Executive Director Rick Zbur issued the following statement: "The last year saw the killings of at least two transgender people in California, and at least 27 across the country. Outside the United States, more than 85 transgender men and women have been murdered in hate crimes or by domestic partners. In spite of the rapid progress we have made together as a community, one thing has not changed: transgender members of our community – especially transgender women of color – continue to suffer from an epidemic of violence.
Los Angeles - November 9, 2016 -
Equality California applauded the election of its endorsed candidate California Attorney General Kamala Harris to represent the state of California in the United States Senate. Equality California endorsed Harris' candidacy in May of this year.
Los Angeles - December 1, 2016 - Today, on the 29th annual observance of World AIDS Day,
Equality California Executive Director Rick Zbur issued the following statement: "Today we mourn the millions lost during the more than three decades of the AIDS epidemic, celebrate the enormous strides the scientific community has made in treating and preventing transmission of HIV and remember that even now we must remain vigilant. HIV still threatens the LGBT community, particularly people of color, and the progress we have made is itself under threat as a result of the recent presidential election.
Sacramento - September 20, 2016 –California Governor Jerry Brown today signed Senate Bill (SB) 1146, authored by Senator Ricardo Lara (D-Bell Gardens) and sponsored by
Equality California. The bill requires private universities receiving public funds to publicly disclose if they discriminate against students with respect to gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation. Senate Bill 1146 requires universities that are granted a Title IX exemption to notify the California Student Aid Commission and disseminate the information to students and staff.
(Sacramento, CA - September 30, 2016)
-California Governor Jerry Brown today signed Assembly Bill (AB) 1732, authored by Asm. Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) and sponsored by
Equality California,
the Transgender Law Center and California National Organization of Women (NOW). AB 1732 establishes the nation's most progressive restroom access law, requiring that single-occupancy restrooms in California businesses, government buildings, and places of public accommodation be universally accessible to all genders.
Los Angeles - September 20, 2016 -
Equality California announced today that it has withdrawn endorsements from six state assemblymembers following their "no" votes or abstentions on a bill that would require religious colleges and universities to disclose policies that discriminate against LGBT people. Senate Bill (SB) 1146, authored by Sen. Ricardo Lara (D-Bell Gardens) and sponsored by Equality California, passed the California Assembly by a vote of 45-28 and the Senate by a vote of 25-13 on August 30. The bill now awaits the governor's signature.
Sacramento—Before adjourning last week, the California Legislature passed the final bill of Equality California's 2016 legislative package, a total of eight bills and resolutions sponsored by the organization to win approval since the beginning of the 2016 legislative session. Senate Joint Resolution (SJR) 26 passed August 31 with a final, unanimous vote by the Senate.
Sacramento - September 27, 2016 – California Governor Jerry Brown today signed Assembly Bill (AB) 1887, authored by Assemblymember Evan Low (D-Silicon Valley) and sponsored by
Equality California an
d the National Center for Lesbian Rights. AB 1887 bans non-essential, state-funded travel by California state employees to North Carolina, Mississippi and other states that enact discriminatory laws after June, 2015. It is similar to executive orders and local ordinances already in place in New York State, Baltimore, San Francisco and elsewhere. However, it expands on these executive orders because it applies to states that enact new anti-LGBT laws in the future.
Sacramento - Setpember 26, 2016 - California Governor Jerry Brown today signed Assembly Bill (AB) 2246, authored by Asm. Patrick O'Donnell (D-Long Beach). The bill requires school districts across the state to adopt formal suicide prevention, intervention, and follow-up plans for all middle and high school students. AB 2246 is sponsored by
Equality California and
The Trevor Project.
Sacramento - August 31, 2016 –The California Legislature has approved a bill, authored by Senator Ricardo Lara (D-Bell Gardens) and sponsored by Equality California, that would require private universities to publicly disclose if they discriminate against students and staff based on their gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation. Senate Bill 1146 would require universities that are granted a Title IX exemption to notify the California Student Aid Commission and disseminate the information to students and staff.
Sacramento - August 23, 2016 – The California Legislature today passed AB 1887, a bill authored by Assemblymember Evan Low and sponsored by
Equality California, that would ban state-funded travel to states that discriminate against LGBT people. The bill also is sponsored by the National Center for Lesbian Rights.
Sacramento - August 30, 2016 --The California Assembly today approved a bill that would require the adoption of comprehensive suicide prevention plans by local California school districts for students attending grades 7-12.
Assembly Bill (AB) 2246 was authored by Assemblymember Patrick O'Donnell (D-Long Beach) and sponsored by
Equality California and
The Trevor Project.
Sacramento- August 22, 2016 -The California Legislature passed a bill today that would establish the nation's most inclusive restroom access law. Assembly Bill (AB) 1732 was authored by Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) and sponsored by
Equality California, the Transgender Law Center and California National Organization of Women (NOW). If signed into law, the bill would require single-occupancy restrooms in California businesses, government buildings, and places of public accommodation to be universally accessible to all genders starting March 1, 2017. It cleared the Assembly this afternoon by a bipartisan vote of 55-15 after clearing the Senate on August 18.
Sacramento - August 24, 2016 --The California Legislature has passed AJR 45, a resolution authored by Asm. David Chiu (D-San Francisco) and sponsored by Equality California, calling on Congress to pass the federal Equality Act. The Equality Act updates the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to include protections based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex in the areas of employment, housing, public accommodations, public education, federal funding, credit, and the jury system. With bipartisan support, the resolution was approved in the Senate yesterday and approved in the Assembly today on concurrence. AJR 45 is now adopted.
Los Angeles - August 16, 2016 – Equality California announced today that it has endorsed Proposition 63, the "Safety for All" ballot initiative backed by Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom. Following the shootings in June at an Orlando LGBT nightclub, a spike in homicides of LGBT people and an ongoing worldwide epidemic of murders of transgender women, Equality California has made enacting gun safety measures a key part of its program and advocacy work.
Sacramento - August 10, 2016 -The California Senate today passed a bipartisan resolution by California Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de León (D-Los Angeles) and Assembly Republican Leader Chad Mayes (R-Yucca Valley) calling for an end to federal blood donation policies that discriminate against men who have sex with men (MSM). Senate Joint Resolution (SJR) 26 calls upon President Barack Obama to compel the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to repeal current Food and Drug Administration (FDA) blood donor policies that discriminate against LGBT people and instead direct the agency to develop science-based policies that utilize individual behavioral risk. SJR 26 is sponsored by
Equality California.
Los Angeles - July 22, 2016 - In response to today's announcement from Hillary Clinton that she has chosen Virginia Senator Tim Kaine as her vice presidential running mate,
Equality California Executive Director Rick Zbur issued the following statement: "With her selection of Sen. Tim Kaine, Hillary Clinton has highlighted the stark differences between her ticket and her opponent's. In contrast to the extremes of racism, xenophobia, sexism, and homo- and transphobia on vivid display by Donald Trump and his running mate, Kaine presents an alternative: a pragmatist who works across ideologies and across the aisle to get things done.
Los Angeles - July 7, 2016 - In response to this week's police shootings of Alton Sterling and Philandro Castile in Louisiana and Minnesota
, Equality California Executive Director Rick Zbur issued the following statement: "Along with people of conscience across the country, we are heartbroken and sickened by the brutal shooting deaths by police of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile. We extend our deepest sympathy to their families and loved ones. While a thousand miles separated them, like the 123 black people shot by police this year across the country, they were guilty of the same offense: being black in the wrong place, at the wrong time.
Los Angeles - June 9, 2016 --
Equality California today announced that 109 of its 116 endorsed candidates won enough votes in their individual races in the California primary election to advance to the November 8 general election or to win their race outright.
Los Angeles- June 17, 2016 – At a news conference today at Los Angeles City Hall together with state and local leaders,
Equality California announced the launch of "Safe and Equal, " a campaign to end gun violence by advocating for tougher common sense gun safety laws at the federal and state levels, among other things. Equality California is making adoption of laws to reduce gun violence and mass shootings one of its highest organizational priorities.
Los Angeles - June 21, 2016 – In response to the U.S. Supreme Court declining to hear challenges to assault weapons bans in Connecticut and New York, allowing a ruling from the U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals to stand,
Equality California Executive Director Rick Zbur issued the following statement: "Assault weapons are the weapon of choice for attacks on law enforcement and in mass shootings, including the shootings at Pulse nightclub in Orlando. On the same day the U.S. Senate lacked the courage to pass two tough, commonsense gun safety measures, it was heartening that the Supreme Court has again declined to hear challenges to bans on assault weapons that represent a threat to the basic safety of every American.
Los Angeles = June 20, 2016 – In response to today's defeat in the U.S. Senate of four gun control measures addressing gun violence, two of which were supported by
Equality California, Equality California Executive Director Rick Zbur issued the following statement: "Slightly more than a week has elapsed since the worst mass shooting in history, in a country where the regularity of mass shootings horrifies the world. The U.S. Senate has followed the now-predictable pattern of proclaiming that their "thoughts and prayers" are with the victims, while denying those same victims any meaningful action on their behalf. They did not act on behalf of the six year olds gunned downed in Newtown. They did not act on behalf of social workers gunned down in San Bernardino. And once again, they have refused to act when 102 young, mostly Latino mostly LGBT people were gunned down in Orlando.
Los Angeles - June 23 - Today, in a 4-4 split decision in
United States v. Texas, the U.S. Supreme Court deadlocked on the question of whether President Barack Obama's use of executive action to suspend deportations and grant work permits to millions of undocumented immigrants was constitutional. The deadlock lets stand an order by the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals blocking the actions, Deferred Action for Parents of Americans (DAPA) and the expanded Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), from takng effect.
Los Angeles - June 20, 2016 —
Equality California has endorsed the California Healthcare, Research and Prevention Tobacco Tax Act of 2016, an initiative to raise California's cigarette tax by $2 on tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, which are taking a disproportionately large toll on lesbian, gay and bisexual communities.
Los Angeles - June 12, 2016 – In response to last night's shooting which killed an estimated 50 people at Pulse, a popular Orlando LGBT nightclub,
Equality California Executive Director Rick Zbur issued the following statement: "There will be much to say as we all learn more about last night's horrible events in the hours and days to come, and whether last night's victims were targeted because they were LGBT, because they were American or because they were concentrated in one place. For now, our hearts are with the victims, their families and Orlando's LGBT community. Whatever the motive, this is a terrible tragedy for LGBT people in Orlando and nationwide, especially as our community celebrates LGBT Pride Month."
Los Angeles - June 18, 2016 – In response to reports nationwide of gay and bisexual men being turned away from donating blood in response to the more than 50 injured in last weekend's shootings at Pulse nightclub in Orlando,
Equality California Executive Director Rick Zbur issued the following statement: "It should not have taken the tragedy in Orlando to spotlight the idiocy of FDA regulations that bar all gay and bisexual men from donating blood. Thousands turned out to help members of our own community, but were told that their blood donations were not needed, thanks to archaic and unnecessary rules that do not reflect modern detection methods of HIV.
Sacramento - June 30, 2016 – California legislators today passed 13 bills, part of a body of legislation supported by
Equality California's "Safe and Equal" campaign, that would strengthen the state's gun safety laws. Equality California launched the campaign two weeks ago, following the shootings in Orlando, to advocate for tougher, commonsense gun safety laws at the federal and state levels, among other things. Equality California is making adoption of laws to reduce gun violence and mass shootings one of its highest organizational priorities.
Sacramento - July 1, 2016 - California Governor Jerry Brown today signed into law six gun safety bills that ban possession of high capacity assault rifle magazines, regulate the sale and possession of ammunition, expand background checks, limit loans of firearms and ban the resale of a gun to someone legally barred from purchasing it. The new laws were supported by
Equality California and 19 other LGBT and HIV organizations as part of Equality California's Safe and Equal campaign against gun violence.
Sacramento - May 27, 2016 - The California legislature today passed a bill that would allow organ transplants between HIV-positive donors and HIV-positive recipients. Senate Bill (SB) 1408, authored by Sen. Ben Allen (D-Santa Monica) and co-sponsored by
Equality California, AIDS Project Los Angeles, the Los Angeles LGBT Center, and Positive Women's Network-USA
, would bring state law in line with federal law. The bill passed both the Assembly and the Senate unanimously.
Los Angeles - May 20, 2016 – In response to yesterday's narrow vote by the U.S. House of Representatives to reject an amendment that would have removed anti-LGBT provisions from a defense spending bill, Equality California Executive Director Rick Zbur issued the following statement:
Sacramento - May 27, 2016 - California Governor Jerry Brown today signed a bill that allows organ transplants between HIV-positive donors and HIV-positive recipients. Senate Bill (SB) 1408 was authored by Sen. Ben Allen (D-Santa Monica) and co-sponsored by
Equality California, AIDS Project Los Angeles, the Los Angeles LGBT Center, and Positive Women's Network-USA. The four organizations are part of the coalition Californians for HIV Criminalization Reform (CHCR), itself a supporter of the bill. SB 1408 brings state law in line with federal law and passed both the Assembly and Senate unanimously earlier in the day.
San Jose, CA May 14, 2016 - – U.S. Representative Mike Honda (Silicon Valley, Calif.) today joined individuals from the transgender community, statewide LGBT organizations, businesses, faith-based leaders and community members to promote
Transform California – a statewide campaign founded by Equality California and the Transgender Law Center to promote respect, understanding and safety for the transgender community. As part of the effort, coalition members signed a
Transform California pledge – opposing discrimination against transgender people.
Sacramento, Calif. - May 26, 2016 - The California State Senate has approved a bill, authored by Senator Ricardo Lara (D-Bell Gardens) and sponsored by
Equality California, to close a loophole that allows private universities to discriminate against students and staff based on their gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation. Senate Bill 1146 would require universities that are granted a Title IX exemption to disclose that information to the California Student Aid Commission and disseminate the information to students and staff. The bill would also allow an individual who has encountered discrimination at a school claiming a Title IX exemption to pursue a remedy through a civil action. SB 1146 cleared the Senate Education Committee this morning and passed the Senate floor by a vote of 25-13.
Sacramento - May 9, 2016 – Two
Equality California-sponsored bills advancing the civil rights of LGBT people in California and across the country were approved by the California Assembly today. Assembly Bill (AB) 1887 was approved by a vote of 54-21 and AB 1732 passed by 55-19.
Sacramento, Calif. - June 2, 2016 – The California Assembly has approved a bill that would require the adoption of comprehensive suicide prevention plans by local California school districts with students attending grades 7-12.
Assembly Bill (AB) 2246 was authored by Assemblymember Patrick O'Donnell (D-Long Beach) and sponsored by Equality California and The Trevor Project.
Sacramento, Calif. - April 7, 2016 – A bill sponsored by
Equality California and
the National Center for Lesbian Rights that would ban state-funded travel to Mississippi, North Carolina, and other states that enact laws that permit discrimination against LGBT people has cleared the California Assembly Judiciary Committee this week. Assembly Bill 1887, authored by Assemblymember Evan Low (D-Campbell), would ban non-essential, state-funded travel to those states by California state employees.
Los Angeles -
Equality California today announced the endorsements of 33 incumbent candidates for reelection to the U.S. House of Representatives.
Los Angeles, CA - April 18, 2016- Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti today joined individuals from the transgender community, statewide LGBT organizations, local officials, civil rights groups, businesses, faith-based leaders and community members to launch
Transform California - a statewide movement founded by Equality California and the Transgender Law Center to promote respect, understanding and safety for the transgender community. As part of the effort, coalition members signed a
Transform California pledge - opposing discrimination against transgender people.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - March 9, 2016 - Equality California has joined a diverse coalition of 326 immigration, civil rights, labor, and social service groups that filed an
amicus (friend-of-the-court) brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in
United States v. Texas. The brief urges the court to lift an injunction that blocks executive actions on immigration that President Obama announced in November 2014.
Sacramento - February 17, 2016 - Equality California is sponsoring two bills authored by Assemblymember Evan Low (D-Silicon Valley) that would prohibit the use of state funds to support entities that allow discrimination by creating exemptions based on religious beliefs.