Equality California Hails Selection of State's First Openly Gay Assembly Speaker

Sacramento - Today, the Democratic Caucus of the California State Assembly made history by selecting its first openly LGBT Speaker of the Assembly, Assemblymember John A. Pérez (D-Los Angeles). The full Assembly is expected to take an official vote on the Speakership in January 2010.

"Equality California congratulates Assemblymember Pérez on gaining the support of the Democratic Caucus to become Speaker of the Assembly, a truly historic opportunity for our state," said Equality California Executive Director Geoff Kors. He will be an outstanding steward for California as Speaker, ably guiding our state through the many challenges that lie ahead. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Assemblymember Pérez whose steadfast commitment to justice has resulted in significant gains not only for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community members but for all Californians," Kors said.

Endorsed by Equality California’s Political Action Committee in 2008, Assemblymember Pérez was elected to represent California's 46th Assembly District, which includes the Los Angeles neighborhoods of Boyle Heights, Pico Union, Downtown Los Angeles as well as the City of Maywood and portions of the City of Huntington Park.