Calif. Gay History Bill Heads to Governor

A bill requiring California schools to teach gay history is headed for Gov. Jerry Brown's desk after passing the state Assembly. The bill, SB48, would make California the first state in the union to require history classes and textbooks to include the contributions of gay and lesbian Americans, reports the Los Angeles Times. The governor, who hasn't taken a public position on the bill, has 12 days to sign or veto it; Arnold Schwarzenegger rejected a similar bill in 2006.

The bill would require schools to "present a more accurate and nuanced view of American history in our social science curriculum by recognizing the accomplishments of groups that are not often recognized," said Joan Perez, the first openly gay speaker of the California Assembly. The bill's Republican opponents accuse its authors of trying to promote a "homosexual agenda" in California schools. "Our founding fathers are turning over in their graves," said Assemblyman Tim Donnelly. (More California stories.)