Calif. May Mandate Inclusion of Gay History in Curricula

Bill has passed state Senate and is awaiting action in the Assembly

Public schools in California would be required to incorporate the history of homosexuals into social studies classes if the state Assembly and Gov. Jerry Brown embrace a plan approved by the Senate.

Some advocates say they are optimistic it will become law this year, though a spokesman for Gov. Brown, a Democrat, said the state’s leader does not take a stance on legislation before it reaches his desk.

“We are censoring the history and contributions of LGBT Americans from our school curricula,” said state Sen. Mark Leno, a Democrat and lead sponsor of the measure, approved April 14 on a party-line vote of 23-14. “The oppositional arguments are nearly identical to ones we heard a few decades ago when the idea of black studies and women’s studies was first raised, that this would end civilization...