FCL ACTION ALERTS
May 6, 2009

SB 115 passes Senate!

Dear FCL Supporter,

One more hurdle cleared!  SB 115 passes Senate 21-11.

Your staff here at the Friends Committee on Legislation of California just watched excitedly as Senate Bill 115 passed the Senate on a vote of 21-11.  The vote split along party lines, with Democrats voting “yes” and Republicans voting “no.” While we would have preferred to have Republicans support the bill, we were pleased by the large number of Republican abstentions.
 
The bill provides a religious exemption to the state’s current “loyalty oath” and provides an alternate statement for employees to sign.
 
Our champion, Senator Alan Lowenthal, made an eloquent argument for religious freedom as he asked for votes on the Senate Floor.  He mentioned the two women of faith who were fired from the California State University system because their Quaker beliefs would not allow them to sign the oath as it was written.
 
Next – the bill goes on the Assembly. If it passes, which seems likely, it will face its highest hurdle yet – obtaining Governor Schwarzenegger’s signature.
 
What you can do:

• Contact your Assembly Member and urge his or her support for the bill when it reaches the Assembly Floor.  We’ll be sending out talking points for your information as the bill heads to the Assembly Floor.
  

• Encourage others you know to send emails, write letters and to contact their Assembly Members. More information on how to find the names and addresses of Assembly members is available on our website, fclca.org.
  

• Begin to contact other faith-based groups in your area, asking for their support on this issue of religious freedom.
  

• Write a letter to the editor and encourage your local media to cover this issue.  We’ll also be sending out sample letters soon.
  

The ACLU is partnering with us on this important campaign. I highly encourage you to download their ACTIVIST TOOLKIT, available on their website aclunc.org under Action Center.

Thanks!
 
Kevan Insko
Director of Development and Outreach
kevan@fclca.org

Friends Committee on Legislation of California
1225 8th St., Suite 220
Sacramento, CA 95814
 
(916) 443-3734