Dear Friends,

It's disheartening, but not surprising. On Friday, anti-equality advocates submitted paperwork to ask voters to overturn SB 48 -- the FAIR (Fair, Accurate, Inclusive, Respectful) Education Act.

When we set out to ensure that California students learn fair and accurate information about the rich and diverse history of LGBT people and people with disabilities as well as their contributions to society, we knew we'd face opposition. And during the legislative process, we listened to our opponents tell outrageous lies about LGBT people and perpetuate ugly myths based on prejudice about LGBT people preying on children.

We can expect a ballot campaign to be much worse. In the last couple of days alone, anti-equality advocates such as the Traditional Values Coalition and others have already claimed that the FAIR Education Act will:

* "molest the minds of impressionable youth"

* turn all textbooks and instructional materials into "pro-homosexual promotion tools"

* and be used to "indoctrinate children...to not only accept, but also endorse homosexuality."

Over the next several months, our opposition must collect 504,760 signatures in order to qualify for the ballot. We don't know for sure whether they'll succeed. But we do know that, as with Proposition 8, opponents of equality are ready to amass a huge financial war chest to misrepresent the law, spread more lies about LGBT people and turn back the clock on equality. To win, we'll have to match them dollar for dollar and educate the public about the importance of the FAIR Education Act.

Make your contribution of $48 or your preferred amount today to help educate Californians about the law, what it will and will not do -- and why it matters for all California students.

We can't take a "wait and see" approach. If our opponents do qualify for the ballot, we must prepare NOW to fight back -- and win in the public arena.

Over the coming weeks, together with our allies and with your input, we'll begin to put a strategy in place to protect the FAIR Education Act.

Please join the fight with a contribution of $48 or your preferred amount to help ensure that the FAIR Education Act remains the law of the land.

The contributions of LGBT people to our society have, until now, been censored and erased from education. But we know the lies of our opposition cannot stand up to the truth of our history. Preserving this victory will not only provide California students with a more accurate education and a safer learning environment, but also deliver a powerful blow to those who would stand in the way of equality for LGBT people.

Thank you for your efforts to protect equality and stand up for LGBT youth and other students that are seen as different in California. Look for updates from me in the coming weeks about our next steps and what you can do to help.

In Solidarity,

Roland Palencia
Executive Director
Equality California