Focus on the Family Celebrates Victory in California

Focus on the Family
Wednesday, 2 October 2002

Responding to opposition from concerned citizens, Governor Gray Davis quietly vetoed AB 2651, a bill that would have forced radical pro-gay policies upon California's foster care system. Focus on the Family opposed the legislation and called the veto "a major victory on behalf of children."

"We are pleased that Governor Davis allowed the interests of California's foster care children to prevail over a radical gay agenda," said Peter Brandt, director of issues response for Focus on the Family.

Under AB 2651, all foster parents would have been "encouraged" to attend "sensitivity training" and could have been reported to a statewide hot line for refusing to affirm the sexual choices of the children in their care. Homosexual couples would have been given priority as potential foster parents, while parents who oppose homosexuality would have been forced to choose between their convictions and providing foster care „o denying many of the 115,000 children currently in the California foster care system the chance to have a loving home with a mother and a father.

The veto came after Davis was flooded with calls, faxes and e-mails urging him to reject the bill. In addition, Focus on the Family's opposition to AB 2651 included radio broadcasts and print ads. Capitol Resource Institute, a Sacramento-based, pro-family organization associated with Focus on the Family, also held news conferences opposing the bill.

"We hope the governor will remember this outcry the next time California's legislators try to force intolerant views upon those who do not believe that homosexuality is normal and healthy," Brandt added.

More information can be found at: www.citizenlink.org or www.capitolresource.org

For more information, or to contact Focus on the Family, see their website at: www.family.org