Gustavo Solis

The Desert Sun

Restricting travel to states that pass discriminatory laws, requiring all single-occupancy bathrooms to be available to everyone, and treating minors engaged in prostitution as victims of sexual exploitation instead of criminals are just some of the pro-LGBT bills Equality California is supporting this legislative session.

Each year the Los Angeles-based nonprofit announces a slate of bills it wants to see become law.

Here is a breakdown of the seven bills the group is backing in 2016:

• AB 2246: Suicide Prevention Policies in Schools

Requires all school districts to adopt suicide prevention policies. Studies have shown that LGBT youth are up to four times more likely to attempt suicide than their non-LGBT peers.

• SB 1408: HIV Organ and Tissue Donation Equity

Allows HIV-positive individuals to donate organs and tissue to HIV-positive recipients. Supporters say this bill has the potential to save the lives of hundreds of patients each year.

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• AB 1887: Prevent California-Funded Travel to States with a License to Discriminate

Prohibits state agencies and lawmakers from approving state-funded travel to any state that has passed laws that repeal protections against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.

• AB 1888: Cal Grant Disinvestment in Discrimination

Academic institutions that apply for the Cal Grant would not be allowed to discriminate against students or employees on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

• AB 1732: The Equal Restroom Access Act

Supporters say this bill would enact the “most progressive statewide restroom access policy in the nation.” It requires all single-occupancy restrooms in businesses, government buildings, and places of public accommodation to be available to everyone by changing signage on the restroom door.

• AB 1675: Diversion Instead of Prosecution for Juvenile Victims

Ensures that minors who participate in acts of prostitution are treated as victims of sexual exploitation instead of criminals. Supporters argue that laws criminalizing minors disproportionately affect LGBT youth, some of whom engage in sex work to survive after being forced out of their homes.

• SB 1005: Modernizing Code Language to Reflect Marriage Equality

Replaces language in sections of California’s Probate Code by changing terms like “husband” and “wife” with the gender-neutral “spouse.” Some of these sections have important implications for married couples and individual rights of spouses.

This article is part of the Insider column, a weekly roundup of political and public policy news, endorsements and events. The full column runs every Sunday in The Desert Sun. Email the author at gustavo.solis@desertsun.com.