ACTION ALERT: Urge Lawmakers to Protect All Youth

EQUALITY CALIFORNIA

Action Alert! Urge Lawmakers to Protect All Youth

May 10, 2007

Next week, legislators in the Senate will vote on the Student Civil Rights Act,
which protects all youth, including those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual and
transgender (LGBT), by strenghtening student civil rights standards in California
public schools. For more information about SB 777, visit
http://www.eqca.org/site/apps/nl/content2.asp?c=9oINKWMCF&b=2292609&ct=3622857

Equality California needs your immediate support for this legislation, which has
been under attack by right wing extremists. SB 777 would establish uniform
nondiscrimination policies within public education programs, protecting all students
in all California schools. Right wing activists are trying to paint an outrageous,
misleading picture of SB 777, claiming it would prevent schools from talking about
"mom and dad" in school settings.

EQCA will always stand up for equality and fairness for all people. The Student
Civil Rights Act protects all youth, not just those who are LGBT. SB 777 promotes
equality, inclusion and tolerance -- not exclusion.

Stand up for our youth and what is right. Write your senators by visiting
http://www.eqca.org/takeaction today and urge them to support safe schools for all
students by voting yes on SB 777.


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Legislative Update

Nine EQCA-Sponsored Measures Pass First Test to Becoming Law

All nine pieces of legislation EQCA is sponsoring this year have passed the first
hurdle on the way to becoming law. Each measure has been approved by its first
policy committee. AB 102
(http://www.eqca.org/site/apps/nl/content2.asp?c=9oINKWMCF&b=2292609&ct=3598889),
which would give domestic partners equal opportunity to choose a new family name
when they register with the state, has already passed the Assembly floor with
bi-partisan support.
EQCA is the sponsor of an ambitious legislative package that will strengthen
protections for LGBT Californians in all aspects of their lives. The 2007
legislative slate focuses on building a stronger California by protecting youth,
strengthening families and empowering communities. In addition to advancing LGBT
rights, EQCA has helped prevent several anti-LGBT measures from moving forward in
policy committees this year, putting a halt to right-wing attacks on our community.

Watch your inbox for periodic legislative updates, or track EQCA's success in
building a state of equality at our online Legislative Center at
http://www.eqca.org/legislation/2007.



New! 2007 Legislation Guide

Take a look at the new 2007 Legislation Guide to learn more about what EQCA is doing
to build a better future for California. At a glance, you'll learn about all nine
measures EQCA is sponsoring during the current legislative session to protect your
rights and freedom.

Download a PDF of the new 2007 Legislation Guide at
http://www.eqca.org/site/apps/nl/content2.asp?c=9oINKWMCF&b=40337&ct=3847125.



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Upcoming Events



Sacramento Equality Awards Reception
Join actor Doug Spearman, from the hit series "Noah's Arc," as EQCA honors
Assemblymember Lloyd Levine, Assemblymember Fiona Ma, and CAPPAC, the Capitol
Political Action Committee.
Monday, May 21
5 p.m.
Sheraton Grand Hotel
Sacramento

http://www.eqca.org/site/apps/cd/content.asp?c=9oINKWMCF&b=40331&event_id={4D78D190-0DE4-4B51-8059-1DDC10F96274}&content_id={2365BF75-9F3B-4504-82EB-2C8460EB9D3B}&seid=

2007 Los Angeles Equality Awards Table Captain Party
Del Shores and the cast of the award-winning film and play, "Sordid Lives,"
invite you to join them for the official Los Angeles Equality Awards Kick-Off Party.
Generously hosted at the home of Ben Patrick Johnson. Special performance by Levi
Kreis.

Saturday, May 19
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Los Angeles

http://www.eqca.org/site/apps/cd/content.asp?c=9oINKWMCF&b=40331&event_id={929E6A6A-1F12-4BBF-A86B-1587836F707F}&content_id={7B044610-7AEC-42A7-BE83-E08582D55F25}&seid=



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Equality California http://www/eqca.org
Contributions to Equality California support EQCA's political work and are not tax
deductible as charitable contributions under IRS-162(e).