Statement from NASW California Chapter on the Proposed Anti-Gay Ballot Initiative

SACRAMENTO, CA —NASW California Chapter releases the following statement regarding the proposed anti-LGBT ballot initiative, the “Sodomite Suppression Act.”

NASW finds the initiative process flawed in California to allow an inflammatory hate speech initiative proposal to be accepted for the petition process and supports Attorney General Kamala Harris’ efforts to get the court to reject this unconstitutional measure.

While there are those that argue this is free speech allowed under the constitution, it is also hate speech and could incite violence against the LGBT community. As such, it is no longer free speech and should be barred.

While there is no possibility that this proposed initiative could garner sufficient signatures to make it on the California ballot, the mere idea that it could incite violence and still be allowed is repugnant. To allow it to proceed is reprehensible.

We hope California policymakers find a way to reform the initiative process to bar senseless hate mongering to enter into a policy-making arena such the initiative process.

Contact Information:
Jolene Hui, LCSW
NASW-CA
916-379-7577
jhui@naswca.org