(Sacramento, CA) – "Log Cabin thanks Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger for signing a record number of pro-gay bills during his term in office," said Jeff Bissiri, Log Cabin's California Director. "The Governor has been true to his word that he supports basic fairness and equality for our families. The Governor's inclusive leadership can be a model for other Republicans around the nation.  His record shows that inclusion wins," said Bissiri. 

With the signing of this year's legislation, Governor Schwarzenegger has signed a total of 21 bills important to the LGBT community.  Here's a list of the bills he signed this year:

SB1441—Nondiscrimination in State Programs and Activities
This bill prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in state and locally operated or funded services, activities and programs.

AB1160—Panic Excuse Prevention Act
This bill will limit the use of the so-called 'gay panic' defense in criminal trials.

AB1207—Code of Fair Campaign Practices
This bill will add sexual orientation and gender identity to the pledges that candidates and campaign committees may sign stating that they will not use or permit the use of any appeal to negative prejudice.

AB2800—Omnibus Housing Nondiscrimination Act.
This bill will amend the Business and Professions Code to put it in conformance with other nondiscrimination language in the law to prevent discrimination in housing based on listed categories including sexual orientation.

AB 2920—Older Californians Equality and Protection Act.
Requires the California Department of Aging to ensure that all programs administered by the state account for the needs of gay and lesbian seniors.

AB 2051—Equality in Prevention and Services for Domestic Abuse Act
Establishes an ongoing fund to support education and services addressing domestic violence among same sex domestic partners.

SB1827—State Income Tax Equity Act
This bill allows registered Domestic Partners to jointly file state income tax

The Governor also vetoed the Bias Free Curriculum Act (SB1437), the Safe Place to Learn Act (AB606), and Public School Curricula: Tolerance and Intergroup Relations Act (AB1056).  These bills would have helped ensure that LGBT students would be free from harassment and discrimination in school.  “Log Cabin is disappointed the Governor vetoed these bills. We recognize that this is a new area of LGBT rights. In the months ahead, Log Cabin will work with the Governor to address his concerns about this important legislation,” said Bissiri.