CALIFORNIA: Lawmaker Pulls Ex-Gay “Fraud” Bill to rework it after meeting with religious leaders

[Daniel2]

This bill has been discussed on the board before, and I'm happy to report that the lawmaker willingly withdrew the bill of his own accord, despite it being on the verge of passing, to re-work the bill after meeting with religious leaders to address at least some of their concerns. 

While I don't imagine that either side may be fully 100% happy with any future re-worked version, I give him kudos for his sincere efforts to work towards a more mutual decision.

Assemblyman Low has earned my respect.

Quote

The Sacramento Bee reports:

The author of a California bill to declare gay conversion therapy a fraudulent business practice has abandoned his effort for this year after a fierce outcry from the state’s religious community.

Assembly Bill 2943 would have made it illegal to sell any service intended to change an individual’s sexuality or gender identity. The measure had already passed with large majorities in both the Assembly and Senate, with overwhelming support from Democrats, and was one vote away from the governor’s desk.

But Assemblyman Evan Low said Friday that, after meeting this summer with faith leaders, he would instead try again next year with a new version of the proposal they could feel more comfortable with.

The Los Angeles Times reports:

Low acknowledged his decision was unconventional, when he almost certainly had the votes to win final approval. “Some would say this is crazy,” he said. “Why would you pause when you don’t need to, when you’re in the driver’s seat?”

Low said he had no signs of opposition from Gov. Jerry Brown. Neither did Rick Zbur, executive director of Equality California, the LGBTQ advocacy group that co-sponsored the bill, who expressed confidence that Brown — whom he called “the most pro-LGBTQ governor in the state’s history” — would sign it.

Zbur said he believed the bill clearly would not ban the Bible or otherwise impede religious practice, as opponents had feared. Still, he said additional time would let them “tinker with the bill to make very clear that these false assertions the other side is making are not accurate.”

Assemblyman Low has earned my respect.

D

 

Edited August 31, 2018 by Daniel2

[provoman]

32 minutes ago, Daniel2 said:

This bill has been discussed on the board before, and I'm happy to report that the lawmaker willingly withdrew the bill of his own accord, despite it being on the verge of passing, to re-work the bill after meeting with religious leaders to address at least some of their concerns. 

While I don't imagine that either side may be fully 100% happy with any future re-worked version, I give him kudos for his sincere efforts to work towards a more mutual decision.

Assemblyman Low has earned my respect.

 

That is comendable that he met with religious leaders.

[Calm]

Sounds like a good move on his part.  Ensures the bill does what he wants it to do while helping others find ways to feel they can work with it (hopefully).  Bravo for him not just ignoring concerns because he could.

[mfbukowski]

Sometimes prayer actually works....

It's really pretty miraculous. I mean who would think he would do this?   And thanks Daniel2 for your reasoned response.

Edited September 1, 2018 by mfbukowski

[kllindley]

On 8/31/2018 at 5:23 PM, Daniel2 said:

This bill has been discussed on the board before, and I'm happy to report that the lawmaker willingly withdrew the bill of his own accord, despite it being on the verge of passing, to re-work the bill after meeting with religious leaders to address at least some of their concerns. 

While I don't imagine that either side may be fully 100% happy with any future re-worked version, I give him kudos for his sincere efforts to work towards a more mutual decision.

Assemblyman Low has earned my respect.

 

Low certainly deserves a lot of respect for this decision.  It completely changes my view it him in a positive way. Thanks for sharing this news.