2 years ago
SACRAMENTO, CA - Conservative groups are calling on Gov. Schwarzenegger to veto legislation that would formally declare May 22 "Harvey Milk Day" in California.
The bill passed by lawmakers would encourage public schools to mark the day by commemorating the slain San Francisco supervisor's life and accomplishments. "I think it's very important to know who he was and what he means to people," said bill co-sponsor Assem. John Laird, D-Santa Cruz.
Milk was considered the first openly gay man to be elected to a major office when he became San Francisco supervisor in 1977. But his career and life were cut short. Milk was gunned down less than a year later in City Hall along with San Francisco Mayor George Moscone. The two were killed by a colleague, former supervisor Dan White. Conservative groups condemn the legislature's attempt to formally recognize Milk. They dismiss the bill as an attempt to promote the "homosexual agenda" in public schools.
"It's crazy," said Karen England, executive director of Capitol Resource Institute. "It's a day that celebrates the history of a gay individual for being gay. That's his claim to fame."
Her pro-family organization is asking Schwarzenegger to veto AB 2567, by Assem. Mark Leno, D-San Francisco.
Schwarzenegger has until September 30 to decide whether to sign or veto the bill.
News10/KXTV
