Earlier this week, the San Diego City Council voted unanimously to endorse AB 3024 (the Stop Hate Littering Act) written by State Assemblymember Chris Ward (pictured above) and cosponsored by Councilmember Raul Campillo (Behind Ward in picture), among other local leaders.

“The hate littering that has plagued my District and other parts of San Diego is more than just words on a page; it’s a deliberate attempt to strike fear into historically persecuted communities,” said San Diego City Councilmember Raul Campillo. “AB 3024 will provide victims of hate littering with a strong legal tool to hold perpetrators accountable. San Diego stands strong against hate in all its forms.”

Over the past year and more, Councilmember Campillo’s District has been targeted repeatedly with antisemitic and anti-LGBTQ+ flyers that were left in residents’ driveways, lawns, and on their windshields. As recently as one week ago, hateful flyers, some of which specifically referenced AB 3024, were found in La Mesa and the College Area.

“Hate flyers continue to be the preferred method of bigots to sow the seeds of division, harass, and intimidate others based on their religion, sexual orientation or ethnicity,” said Assemblymember Chris Ward (D-San Diego). “As recently as this week, neighborhoods in San Diego have been targeted. The Stop Hate Littering Act sends a clear message that discrimination and bigotry have no place in our communities.”

“San Diego has seen anti-LGBTQ+ flyers distributed widely with the intent of intimidating and threatening the LGBTQ+ community,” said Cara Dessert, CEO of The San Diego LGBT Community Center. “We wholeheartedly support AB 3024, which would deter hateful actors from this kind of flyering. The Center appreciates Councilmember Campillo’s efforts to formally declare San Diego’s support for AB 3024.”

On April 29, the California State Assembly voted 61-3 to approve AB 3024; it now awaits consideration by the State Senate.

Photo credit: https://a78.asmdc.org.