California anti-gay bullying bill passes committee stage

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A gay group has applauded the Californian Senate’s Education Committee for advancing a bill to add lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals’ history to school textbooks

Equality California (EQCA) executive director, Geoffrey Kors. said: “Today, the Senate Education Committee demonstrated its commitment to expanding educational opportunities for all Californian students.”

“It is vital that textbooks and other educational materials that our students study reflect the society in which they live in order to increase their knowledge, tolerance and respect for our diverse world.”

The bill was written by Senator Sheila Kuehl, it would prohibit biased curriculum and require that the contributions of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community, like other underrepresented groups, be included in social science curriculum.

“Today’s vote marks another important step toward ensuring that students have the benefit of a positive and well-rounded education and one that promotes safety and respect in their schools,” said Senator Kuehl.

The measure now moves to the Senate floor.