Gay History Bill Likely to Reach Beyond California

Sacramento, CA – A controversial bill that would require public schools to emphasize the roles and contributions of LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) people has now passed both houses of the California legislature and is expected to be signed into law by Gov. Jerry Brown within days. Legal experts predict, though, that SB 48 will affect schools across the nation.

“The reality is that the major textbook manufacturers do not create different textbooks for each state,” noted Brad Dacus, president of Pacific Justice Institute. “Instead, they seek to comply with mandates in the largest states, especially California and Texas. As a result, many smaller states are pressured into approving California-focused instructional materials, which must now cater to the gay history mandate.”

PJI is urging Californians to call Gov. Brown’s office and urge a veto of SB 48, which further politicizes education and increases costs. Meanwhile, parents, school board members and legislators outside California are encouraged to investigate the textbooks being approved by their state boards of education and purchased by their local school districts. Dacus warns that, without parental vigilance, “San Francisco values will be introduced by stealth into classrooms across the country.”