California Legislative LGBT Caucus
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The California Legislative LGBT Caucus is an American political organization composed of openly lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender members of the California State Legislature.
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[edit] Role
The caucus was established so as to champion legislation that advances equality and the rights of LGBT Californians. Its members have introduced and passed numerous measures related to gay rights, including two same-sex marriage bills (both vetoed by the governor), bills prohibiting discrimination in state government, tackling homophobic bullying in schools and adequately funding HIV/AIDS treatment.[1]
In addition, the caucus sponsors an annual LGBT Pride Exhibit every June and presents the LGBT Pride Recognition Awards to outstanding Californians. In 2006, several Republican legislators boycotted the awards ceremony, walking off the Assembly floor as the awards were presented.[2]
[edit] Membership
As of 2008, six openly LGBT people have served in the legislature – all of them gay or lesbian and all of them Democrats. They look set to be joined by two more in the 2008 elections: Tom Ammiano (D–San Francisco) and John Pérez (D–Los Angeles).[3]
| Name | Residence | Party | Years in Assembly | Years in Senate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sheila Kuehl | Los Angeles | Democratic | 1994–2000 | 2000–present |
| Carole Migden | San Francisco | Democratic | 1996–2002 | 2004–present |
| Christine Kehoe | San Diego | Democratic | 2000–2004 | 2004–present |
| Jackie Goldberg | Los Angeles | Democratic | 2000–2006 | — |
| John Laird | Santa Cruz | Democratic | 2002–present | — |
| Mark Leno | San Francisco | Democratic | 2002–present | — |
[edit] Chairs
| Term of office | Name | Chamber |
|---|---|---|
| 2002–2003[4] | Christine Kehoe | Assembly |
| 2003–2006[4] | Mark Leno | Assembly |
| 2006–present[5] | John Laird | Assembly |
[edit] References
- ^ California Legislative LGBT Caucus Elects Laird Chair. California State Assembly (2006-12-05). Retrieved on 2008-06-04.
- ^ "GOP Lawmakers Walk Out Over Gay Recognition", News10, 2006-08-14. Retrieved on 2008-06-04.
- ^ Perez among victorious in primary election. Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund (2008-06-04). Retrieved on 2008-06-04.
- ^ a b LGBT Caucus elects Assemblyman Mark Leno as Chair. California State Assembly (2003-11-06). Retrieved on 2008-06-04.
- ^ "Political Notebook: Laird aims to keep LGBT caucus alive", Bay Area Reporter, 2006-12-21. Retrieved on 2008-06-04.
