Contact: William B May, Catholics for the Common Good, 415-651-4171

SACRAMENTO, July 14, 2011 /Christian Newswire/ -- Today, California Governor Jerry Brown signed into law SB 48, a bill that mandates drawing attention to the sexual orientation of "gay, lesbian, transgender, and bisexual" persons in K - 12 social studies curriculum and textbooks.

"The Governor made a huge mistake," said William B. May. "Politicians should not be co-opting school curricula and writing textbooks to push an ideological agenda whether it be conservative or liberal."

"Claims that this bill is needed to reduce bullying against children that are experiencing gender confusion or take on 'gay' or 'lesbian' identities are absurd. Children must be taught respect for all persons because of their intrinsic value, not because they agree with their behavior or like their characteristics. In fact, reducing people to merely a sexual identity obscures the fact that they are so much more than that."

Catholics for the Common Good is currently reviewing the situation with a broad group of organizations interested in education and the development of children to discuss options for next steps.