On Wednesday, June 17th, the Assembly Education Committee heard testimony on SB 572, the bill that mandates every May 22nd as Harvey Milk Day in California. The bill encourages schools to celebrate Harvey Milk’s so-called “contributions” to society. Children as young as five would be taught about Milk’s homosexual activism. The bill passed the committee on a party-line vote, but not before committee Democrats attacked the conservative leaders testifying against the bill.

CRA Vice President Ben Lopez and CRA National Committeewoman Karen England presented arguments against the bill and were called “stupid” and “hateful.” Democrat Assemblyman Tom Ammiano, a liberal San Francisco homosexual activist, was particularly harsh in his attacks on these pro-family advocates.  Even more shameful, the committee chair, Assemblywoman Julia Brownley, a Democrat from Santa Monica, allowed the attacks to continue.

Three Republicans on the committee, Vice Chair Brian Nestande, Martin Garrick and Jeff Miller, all left the room during the hearing of this particular bill, leaving Lopez and England without any allies on the committee.

Assembly Democrats should be ashamed at their outrageous behavior towards citizens who testified at a government hearing.  Assemblyman Tom Ammiano should apologize for his disgraceful behavior and Assemblywoman Brownley should apologize for allowing such inexcusable behavior to persist in her committee room.

At a time when Republican, conservative pro-family leaders needed their fellow allies in the Legislature to come to their defense, none of them were around.  Republican leaders should stand firm and demand that the legislature treat citizens engaging in public debate in a civil manner. Foot soldiers on the front lines of the culture war in Sacramento should not be left hanging ever again.

TAKE ACTION:

Call Tom Ammiano and tell him to apologize for his behavior towards committee witnesses.   (916) 319-2013

Call Karen Bass and tell her to investigate why members are not showing common courtesy to citizens in their committee hearings.  (916) 319-2047

Call Julia Brownley and tell her to apologize for failing to protect citizens from unmerited attacks from her committee members.  (916) 319-2041

Contact Republican Assemblymen Brian Nestande, Martin Garrick and Jeff Miller and ask them why they didn’t stand up for pro-family leaders during the committee hearing.

Brian Nestande
(916) 319-2064

Martin Garrick
(916) 319-2074

Jeff Miller
(916) 319-2071