Attorney General Bonta Urges U.S. Supreme Court to Affirm Dismissal Decision

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has taken a significant step by urging the U.S. Supreme Court to affirm a decision to dismiss a lawsuit challenging California's Senate Bill 27. This bill, signed into law in 2019, prohibits state-funded or state-sponsored travel to states with laws that discriminate against the LGBTQ+ community.

The lawsuit, brought forward by several plaintiffs including former San Diego City Councilmember Chris Cate, argued that the bill violated their First Amendment rights. However, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit dismissed the case, ruling that the plaintiffs lacked standing to sue because they could not demonstrate a direct injury caused by the bill.

AG Bonta's filing with the Supreme Court emphasizes the importance of upholding the Ninth Circuit's decision, stating that affirming the dismissal will protect state autonomy in making policy decisions that reflect the values of their residents. Bonta argues that Senate Bill 27 is a clear demonstration of California's commitment to inclusivity and non-discrimination.

This case has drawn national attention, as it touches on broader issues of state rights versus federal oversight, as well as the ongoing debate over LGBTQ+ rights in the United States. The Supreme Court's decision on whether to hear the case could have far-reaching implications for similar laws in other states.

• California
• LGBTQ+
• Rob Bonta
• U.S. Supreme Court