California Governor Vetoes Civil Rights Bill
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A civil rights bill promising new job and housing protection to homosexuals, the disabled and people who do not speak English was vetoed Saturday by Gov. Pete Wilson, who said other laws, including a gay-rights bill he signed Friday, give adequate protection. The rejected bill, sponsored by the Assembly Speaker, Willie Brown, included gay-rights language that Mr. Wilson vetoed last year. On Friday, Mr. Wilson, a Republican, signed a similar bill outlawing job discrimination against gay men and lesbians. A crucial difference between the measures is that the gay-rights bill that Mr. Wilson signed provides for civil enforcement of discrimination complaints, while last year’s bill would have given jurisdiction to a state agency that metes out criminal penalties. Mr. Wilson said the new measure duplicated legislation he had already signed while adding needless regulation of business. Mr. Brown, a Democrat, said the veto “shows a callous disregard for the basic rights of many Californians who have felt the sting and humiliation of discrimination.” The state Legislature is scheduled to return to session on Oct. 8, but legislative leaders have not said if they will try to override the veto. More : query.nytimes.com |