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Bill to Stop State Research into 'Causes & Cures of Homosexuality' Moves Forward
The Day of Decision Protest in Hollywood on May 26, 2009 (more photos here) | Photo by Tom Andrews/LAist
A 1950s state code still on the books instructs California's Department of Mental Health to conduct research into the "causes and cures of homosexuality," but a group, with the help of a local Assemblymember is looking to repeal it. AB 2199, or "Repeal of Discriminatory Code," was authored by Bonnie Lowenthal (D-Long Beach) and sponsored by Equality California (EQCA).
"While nothing has been done under this section of the code in years, so long as it remains discrimination is still written into law in our state," explained George True Simpson of EQCA. He said the welfare and Institutions code implicates "that LGBT Californians are sexual deviants, potential sex offenders and a threat to children."
Yesterday, the bill passed out of the Assembly's Public Safety committee. There were four votes in favor (Tom Ammiano, Jim Beall, Jr., Jerry Hill and Nancy Skinner, all Democrats) and three abstentions (Republicans Curt Hagman and Danny Gilmore and Democrat Anthony Portantino. Next the bill will go to the full Assembly for consideration.
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