California Courts Make Conflicting Rulings on Gay Conversion Therapy Ban
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While advocates of “conversion therapies” claim they can turn gays and lesbians into heterosexuals, the state legislature recently banned them as potentially damaging to minor children. But the law might not go into effect because two federal judges have issued conflicting opinions involving regulatory powers and the 1st amendment. Also tonight… the LA County Sheriff has changed his mind about a federal program for detaining suspected illegal immigrants. We’ll talk with Lee Baca about that and the cost of reforms at County jails. Later on… the hidden cost of public assistance to private enterprise.
Main Topic
“Conversion Therapy:” Free Speech versus Science ()
While advocates of “conversion therapies” claim they can turn gays and lesbians into heterosexuals, the state legislature recently banned them as potentially damaging to minor children. But the law might not go into effect because two federal judges have issued conflicting opinions involving regulatory powers and the 1st amendment.
Guests:
- Brad Dacus: President of the Pacific Justice Institute, a Christian nonprofit legal defense organization that’s representing the three plaintiffs who sued to block SB 1172.
- Shannon Minter: Legal director for the National Center for Lesbian Rights, which co-sponsored SB 1172.
- Erwin Chemerinsky: University of California Irvine, @UCILaw
Reporter's Notebook
Sheriff Baca Makes About-Face on Immigration Policy ()
LA County Sheriff Lee Baca has been a supporter of the federal Secure Communities program. The fingerprints of all arrested suspects are sent to immigration officials, and if they’re flagged, the suspects are detained—even for low-level infractions. LA Police Chief Charlie Beck is opposed to Secure Communities as a hindrance to law enforcement—and the ACLU has sued Sheriff Baca for denying bail to the detainees. But yesterday, the Sheriff abruptly changed his position.
Guests:
- Lee Baca: Sheriff of Los Angeles County
Main Topic
Competing for Private Enterprise with Public Dollars ()
Tax breaks and government subsidies are beloved by politicians to help cities, counties and states increase jobs and grow their economies.
But, when companies pit one place against another in bidding wars, that can raise the cost to taxpayers while cutting vital services, like public education.
When GM, Apple and other major players say, “take it or leave it,” even state governments can’t say, “no.”
Is there any way to guarantee they’ll get what they pay for? If the company shuts down or decides to go elsewhere, who’s left holding the bag?
Guests:
- Louise Story: New York Times, @louisestory
- John Nixon: Budget director for the state of Michigan under Republican governor Rick Snyder. Formerly budget director for the state of Utah. Governing magazine has named him Public Official of the Year., @MI_DTMB
- Bobby Hitt: Secretary of commerce for the state of South Carolina, under Republican governor Nikki Haley. Worked previously for BMW in the role of securing incentives from the state., @SCcommerce
- Sarah Eckhardt: A Democratic county commissioner in Travis County, Texas, @sarah_eckhardt
Underwriters
Which Way L.A.? is made possible in part by the Ralph M. Parsons Foundation and the Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation.
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