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CALIFORNIA
G overnor V ows to V eto
L andmark M arriage L egislation
or veto the bill, or he can let it go into effect
without his signature. Unfortunately, he
announced that he intends to veto the marriage
equality legislation. In an attempt to pander to a
right-wing base just months before a special
election in which he is courting its support,
Schwarzenegger has gone back on his view that
same-sex marriage is “fine by him.”
With only vague comments, Gov. Arnold
Schwarzenegger vetoed Assembly Bill 866 on
Sept. 7. The legislation, authored by Assembly
Speaker pro Tern Leland Yee, D-San Francisco,
and sponsored by Equality California, was
designed to prevent discrimination against
NATIONAL
queer people in political campaigns.
“We are extremely disappointed by Gov. W eek R aises A wareness of A ttacks
Schwarzenegger’s veto of legislation that would on Q ueer -T hemed B ooks
Who decides what you will find freely avail
have added LGBT people to the list of groups
covered by the Fair Political Practice Act’s able in your public and school libraries? Almost
Voluntary Pledge,” said Geoffrey Kors, execu 25 years after its initiation, Banned Books
tive director of Equality California. “Regardless Week, Sept. 24 to Oct. 1, has special resonance
as queer-themed books
of what he thinks about
come under attack.
the enforceability of the
Three of the “Ten
Voluntary Pledge, it is
Most Challenged Btxiks
ludicrous to exclude one
of 2004,” compiled by
group of people from the
the American Library
rights and protections
Association Office for
granted to others. The
Intellectual Freedom,
exclusion of LGBT citi
were cited for homo
zens in this case is just
sexual
themes—the
simply an unacceptable
highest number in a
form of discrimination.”
decade. These titles are
Existing law establishes
The Perks of Being a Wall'
a Code of Fair Campaign
flower
by
Stephen
Practices to which candi
Chbosky, King & King by
dates may voluntarily sub
Linda de Haan and Stern
scribe and provides a
Nijland and / Know Why
pledge by which they
the Caged Bird Sings by
promise not to use or per
Maya Angelou.
mit any appeal to negative
In the wake of pro
prejudice based on race,
posed legislation and res
sex, religion, national ori
olutions in several states
gin, physical health status
this year to restrict or
or age. This code and a The governor of California enjoys a
heterosexual
moment.
prohibit access to materi
copy of the Elections
als related to sexual ori
Code
provisions
are
required to be provided to candidates by the entation, the library association passed a resolu
Registrar of Voters whenever a declaration of tion in June affinning the inclusion of materials
candidacy, nomination papers or any other that reflect the diversity of our society and
paper evidencing an intention to be a candi encouraging libraries to acquire and make avail
able materials representative of all people.
date for public office are issued.
“The voices and stories of gays and lesbians
The California Legislature made history
Sept. 6 by becoming the first state legislature cannot be silenced in our culture or on our
in the nation to pass equal marriage rights leg bookshelves,” said association president
Michael Gorman. “Banning books is an
islation for same-sex couples. Needing 41
votes to pass the Assembly after a historic 21- extreme disservice to our readers. Not only
15 vote in the Senate, the final roll call was does it hinder tolerance and acceptance, it
41-35 in favor of Equality California-spon also limits the information exchange Ameri
sored AB 849, the Religious Freedom and cans hold dear.”
Thousands of libraries and bookstores will
Civil Marriage Protection Act, authored by
sponsor
events and exhibits speaking out
Assemblymember Mark Leno, D-San Francis
co, Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez, D-Los against attempts like these to censor books
Angeles, and 30 co-authors, including the and celebrating the freedom to read during
Banned Books Week. Observed sirfte 1982,
LGBT Legislative Caucus.
Schwarzenegger now has until Oct. 6 to sign Banned Books Week reminds Americans not
to take this precious democratic free
dom to read freely for granted.
The American Library Association
Office for Intellectual Freedom
received 547 challenges last year, up
from 458 in 2003. Robert Cormier’s
California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s
The Chocolate War topped the 2004
office is accepting calls from anywhere
list, drawing complaints from parents
regarding the marriage equality bill. It passed
and others concerned about the book’s
both houses of the Legislature but needs the
sexual content, offensive language,
governor’s approval. The hot line is all
religious viewpoint and violence.
automated, so you don’t have to talk to
Banned Books Week is sponsored
anyone. Follow these directions:
by the American B<x)ksellers Associa
1. Cail 916-445-2841. (This number is listed
tion, American B<x>ksellers Founda
at www.govemor.ca.gov.)
tion for Free Expression, American
Library Association, Association of
2. Push 2 to voice your opinion on
American Publishers, American Soci
legislation.
ety of Journalists and Authors and
3. Push 1 to voice your opinion on the
National Association of College
gender-neutral marriage bill, Senate Bill
Stores. It is endorsed by the Library of
849.
Congress
Center for the B<x)k. JF1
4. Push 1 to support marriage equality.
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