Schwarzeneger 2 For 2 On Gay Bills

Schwarzeneger 2 For 2 On Gay Bills
by Mark Worrall
365Gay.com Newscenter
San Francisco Bureau
Posted: September 23, 2004 10:56 am ET

(Sacramento, California) For the second time in just over a week California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed a major gay rights bill.

Wednesday evening Schwarzenegger signed into law the Omnibus Hate Crimes Act which creates a uniform definition of a hate crime that includes crimes against individuals based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. The new law also includes crimes against individuals based on their association with people who are gay or transgender, as well as association based on other protected categories, and provide tools designed to reduce such crimes.

"Hate crimes are acts of violence or terrorism, directed at an individual victim, because of their perceived association with a group or community," said Senator Sheila Kuehl, who authored the bill.

"While every hate crime represents a personal tragedy for the victim, hate crimes also are an attempt to intimidate a larger group or community of people. Hate crimes tear at the fabric of our society and it is important that we have a strong and effective response to them."

The law reflects the recommendations of several high profile commissions and studies of hate crime in California. It enjoyed the support a coalition of prominent civil rights organizations across the state.

Schwarzenegger's signing of the bill comes as the United States House of Representatives takes up the Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Act which if passed would for the first time include hate crimes against gays and lesbians.

"We hope his action sends a strong message to any members of Congress who may not be inclined to support the federal Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Act," said Geoffrey Kors, Executive Director of Equality California.

"President Bush's call for writing discrimination into the United States Constitution has resulted in anti-gay rhetoric that fuels hateful activity, and we hope that this bi-partisan effort on preventing hate crimes will help reverse this trend."

Last week Schwarzenegger put his pen to the California Insurance Equality Act. The law amends the Insurance and the Health & Safety Codes to prohibit insurance providers from issuing policies or plans that discriminate against domestic partners.

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