LGBT CAUCUS ELECTS
ASSEMBLYMAN MARK LENO AS CHAIR

SACRAMENTO— Assemblyman Mark Leno (D-San Francisco) was unanimously elected on Tuesday as Chair of the Legislative Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Caucus.  The Caucus also chose Assemblyman John Laird (D-Santa Cruz) as Vice-Chair.

“In these challenging times, our ongoing battle for equality and justice will require our vigilance and determination,” said Leno.  “We should all feel great pride in our accomplishments during the first year of our caucus.” 

Leno takes the reins from Assembly Speaker Pro Tempore Christine Kehoe, who has served as Chair since the LGBT Caucus’ inception in 2002.  During this time, the LGBT Caucus has made pioneering advancements toward equality, including the passage of:

AB 196 (Leno) - Gender Nondiscrimination
              AB 205 (Goldberg) - Domestic Partner Rights and Responsibilities
                  AB 17 (Kehoe) - Equal Benefits in State Contracts
                  AB 458 (Chu) - Foster Youth Anti-Discrimination

The California Legislative LGBT Caucus was originally formed in June of 2002. Members include Senator Sheila Kuehl, Assembly Speaker pro Tempore Christine Kehoe, and Assemblymembers Jackie Goldberg, John Laird and Mark Leno.

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