On March 28, 1999, Division 44 Public Policy Committee Co-Chair Davina Kotulski accompanied by her wife, attorney Molly McKay, and California Psychological Association Representative Bob Fish, provided an educational forum on the Knight Initiative (which is associated with the anti-gay Defense of Marriage Act). The forum was held during the California Psychological Association's annual convention in San Diego at the U.S. Grant Hotel. The passage of the Knight Initiative would prevent the recognition of same-sex marriage should it become legal in another state.

Clips from the movie "The Right to Marry" were shown, then Dr. Kotulski provided a synopsis on the psychological aspects of marriage and the importance of ritual and community in cementing and honoring a union. Esquire McKay then outlined the legal ramifications of loss of custody, reduced chances of second parent adoptions, increased hate crimes, and additional hardship on GLBT families with the passage of DOMA legislation. Additionally, people were given suggestions on how to organize locally to prevent the Knight Initiative's passage.

The event ended with Drs. Matthew Mock and Kevin Foley, past and current presidents of CPA's Division VII, agreeing to write a position paper against the Knight Initiative, Prop 819, and circulate it to their members. Overall, the evening was a success!

AB222, by Assembly member Sheila Kuehl (D-Encino), would add "sexual orientation" to the existing nondiscrimination language of the California Education Code. In mid-April, the bill moved through the education committee of the State Assembly, but failed to pass by one vote. The bill will be represented for discussion and vote in the Fall.

Please remember that your involvement can help to support further legislation which is geared towards ending discrimination and homophobic bias. All it takes is a phone call to your Assembly member.

If any member of LAGPA is involved in legislative action, please let us know so that we can publish your efforts in future issues of Legal Briefs, so that we can help to create a supportive presence.

Though this column is primarily focused on legislation as it would involve the gay, lesbian, and bisexual community, as it interfaces with the mental health profession, please be aware of our commitment to present other related legislation to the practice of mental health.