New Laws Advance LGBT Rights in 2008

This year, a record 10 pieces of LGBT rights legislation – sponsored by Equality California - were introduced into the Legislature. A record 10 passed the Legislature. And a record nine will become law or official policy. As a result, youth will have more protections in our schools and juvenile justice facilities, domestic partners will have more rights, and discrimination in state programs will be prohibited. “This year, more than half of all legislators voted for EQCA-sponsored legislation and LGBT rights 100 percent of the time,” said EQCA Executive Director Geoff Kors. “EQCA’s electoral and lobbying efforts resulted in 10 more lawmakers scoring a 100 percent rating and 30 fewer lawmakers scoring a zero rating than in 2005. Truly amazing.” MORE