A new California law that has been widely reported is one that requires that the contributions of gays and lesbians be taught in public schools. Not so well known is a list of other new laws that collectively normalize the position in society of LGBT individuals. These include:
The California Gay Bullying Law (or Seth’s Law) which requires school districts to have a uniform process for dealing with gay bullying complaints, and mandates that school personnel intervene if they witness gay bullying. Law effective July 1, 2012. LGBT Equality and Equal Access in Higher Education Law directs State universities and colleges to create and enforce campus policies protecting LGBTs from harassment and appoint employee contact persons to address on-campus LGBT matters. Domestic Partnership Equality Law adjusts inequalities between domestic partnerships and heterosexual marriages, including domestic partner health benefits sharing. Protection of Parent-Child Relationships Law allows courts to consider the relationship between a child and a non-biological parent when considering child rights cases involving birth parents, adoptive parents, and gay or lesbian guardians. The Transgender Non-Discrimination Law provides public accommodation and protection in education, housing and employment for gender identity and expression. The Transgender Vital Statistics Law makes it easier for transgender Californians to get a court petition to change their gender on official documents. LGBT Equal Benefits Law requires an employer with a state contract worth more than $100,000 to have non-discrimination policies in place for LGBT workers and their partners. The Judicial Applicant and Appointment Demographics Inclusion Law includes gender identity and sexual orientation of potential judges into the state’s Judicial Applicant Data Report to ensure that state courts are diverse. The Gay Divorce Law provides that if a gay couple got married in California but lives in a state that won’t grant them a divorce, the California court will have jurisdiction to grant them a legal divorce.

The Soroptimist International Club of Twentynine Palms is sponsoring the opening night of the Neil Simon Play “Jake’s Women” at Theater 29 on Friday, January 13. Doors open at 6 p.m. with the play starting at 7 p.m. There’ll be a silent auction and heavy hors d’oeuvres, with wine and champagne from 6 p.m. until 7 p.m., with desserts and coffee during intermission. All proceeds will benefit our scholarships and charities. Tickets are $25 per person and can be purchased through members of the Soroptimist Club of Twentynine Palms or at Napa Auto Parts, the Flower Garden, Twentynine Palms Chamber of Commerce, and the Desert Trail. For more information, call 760-668-4594.

With all the recent fatal collisions on area highways, the Start Smart class offered by the California Highway Patrol, is especially important for teens and new drivers. The next Start Smart class will be Tuesday, January 3, from 6:30 to 8 at its Morongo Basin office, 63683 29 Palms Highway in Joshua Tree. California has the second highest fatality rate involving teen drivers. Start Smart speaks directly to the teen drivers and their parents/guardians. This program provides classroom instruction on collision avoidance techniques, collision causing elements, and driver responsibilities. The class is free, but reservations are required by calling the Morongo Basin California Highway Patrol Area office at 760-366-3707.