VAN NUYS— In yet another upsetting blow to San Fernando Valley voters, Assemblyman Adrin Nazarian has failed to vote on key legislation to fight LGBT discrimination, which has resulted in Equality California pulling its endorsement.
SB 1146, authored by Sen. Ricardo Lara and sponsored by Equality California, requires religious colleges and universities to disclose policies that discriminate against LGBT students. Nazarian abstained from voting, which has the same effect as a “no” vote. Despite the abstention, the bill passed the Assembly and awaits the governor’s signature.
“Three strikes and you’re out,“ said Democratic challenger, Angela Rupert. “Mr. Nazarian has disappointed voters for what I hope is the last time. He initially refused to vote for farmworkers to get the same overtime benefits as everyone else; then he claimed a woman candidate can’t run without a man’s help and permission, and now he is refusing to take a stand on an important LGBT issue. How much more can we take?”
In response to Nazarian’s abstention, Equality California, the nation’s largest statewide LGBT civil rights organization, pulled its endorsement; and Rupert informed Valley voters on his latest failure to act, and encouraged them to call his office and voice their concerns.
Angela Rupert is an educator, lawyer, and small-business owner. Learn more about her campaign at AngelaRupert.com
The San Fernando Valley is known as the “Valley of Upsets” among pundits. In 2013, a little-known education reformer named Monica Ratliff defeated a well-funded opponent in a huge upset. That same year, in a Los Angeles City Council campaign, Nury Martinez defeated Cindy Montanez, despite getting handily defeated in the primary. And of course, in the neighboring 39th Assembly District, Patty Lopez upset incumbent Raul Bocanegra in 2014.
The 46th district includes Van Nuys, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Panorama City, Valley Glen, Lake Balboa, Valley Village, Toluca Lake, Universal City and portions of North Hollywood, the Hollywood Hills, and North Hills.