California Passes Bill To Teach Gay History In Schools

If governor doesn't take action, bill becomes law automatically

California parents may soon be helping their kids with a new homework subject. California lawmakers have passed a bill requiring schools to teach kids about the historical contributions of gay and lesbian people.

Once the bill hits his desk, Gov. Jerry Brown, who appointed the first openly gay judge, will have 12 days to sign or veto it, or it becomes law automatically.

What exactly will be taught is still in the air, which is why some detractors are questioning the bill’s intent.

"Writing these provisions into textbooks will further an agenda rather than teach facts," said Republican California Assemblyman Donald Wagner. "When we do things, we politicize them because that's the nature of politics. We should leave education to the educators."

Randy Thomasson, president of SaveCalifornia.com, released a statement saying, “True history focuses on the accomplishments of people -- it doesn't talk about what they did in the bedroom.”

In a statement to The Loop 21, Human Rights Campaign communications director Michael Cole-Schwartz said, “The decision of the popularly elected California legislature to pass a bill to teach both LGBT history and the history of people with disabilities is in keeping with the state’s long-standing tradition of including its diverse population in the curriculum. The bill passed by a significant majority in both chambers and represents a common-sense approach that should be adopted instead of other efforts that ban students from learning about the world around them.”

One of those efforts is Tennessee’s pending “don’t say gay” bill that would ban schools from teaching about homosexuality before ninth grade.

If the bill does become a law, it will be another few years before LGBTQ issues are worked into  the curriculum. Its obvious that the people of California feel strongly about adding this into the school system. Do you feel that your state’s schools need to follow suit?