[PR/News] [CA, USA] Assembly Member Mary Hayashi Introduces LGBT Specialty License Plate Legislation

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Jan 26, 2012, 9:10:10 AM1/26/12

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San Francisco Chronicle, CA, USA

Assembly Member Mary Hayashi Introduces LGBT Specialty License Plate Legislation

Funds from sales of California's first LGBT license plate will support
anti-bullying programs.

Sacramento, CA (PRWEB) January 25, 2012 -- Assembly Member Mary
Hayashi (D-Hayward) introduced a bill today to create the first
lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) specialty license plate
for California. AB 1539 would make California the fourth state in the
nation-after South Carolina, Indiana, and Maryland- to offer a
LGBT-themed license plate.

"This will be an important opportunity for Californians to show their
support for the LGBT community and address a major problem that is
affecting all youth," stated Assembly Member Mary Hayashi. "LGBT youth
are at an increased risk for bullying, which can have devastating
effects on their health, even leading to suicide. By purchasing this
plate, the public can put a stop to bullying and help make a
difference for our kids."

Currently, California has 13 specialty license plates available at the
Department of Motor Vehicles, and this would be the first with an LGBT
theme. Funds from the sale of the plate will go toward anti-bullying
programs at the California Department of Education.

The 2009 National School Climate Survey found that eight in 10 LGBT
students had been verbally harassed at school, and four in 10 had been
physically harassed. The survey of 7,000 LGBT middle and high school
students also found that one in five had been the victim of a physical
assault at school. This harassment has placed LGBT teens at risk of
suicide and feelings of depression. There have been numerous reports
throughout California and across the country of teen suicides related
to bullying.

Assembly Member Hayashi is the Chair of the Business, Professions, and
Consumer Protection Committee and serves the 18th Assembly District,
which includes San Leandro, Hayward, Dublin, most of Castro Valley and
Pleasanton, and a portion of Oakland, as well as the unincorporated
areas of Ashland, Cherryland, San Lorenzo and Sunol.

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For the original version on PRWeb visit:
www.prweb.com/releases/prweb2012/1/prweb9136201.htm
<http://www.prweb.com/releases/prweb2012/1/prweb9136201.htm>