The Holocaust Denial Speech Restrictions Initiative (#15-0073) is an initiated state statute proposed for the California ballot on November 8, 2016. The measure would prohibit any speech that claims Jewish, Armenian or Ukrainian Holocausts did not exist in any state-funded school, museum or educational institution. It would also prohibit Holocaust denial organizations from distributing information or conducting activities at these state-funded locations.[1]
Text of measure
Ballot title
The official ballot title is:[2]
“ Speech. Holocaust Denial Restrictions. Initiative Statute.[3] ”
Ballot summary
The official ballot summary is:[2]
“ Restricts speech that lobbies against the recognition of the Jewish, Armenian, or Ukrainian Holocausts at any school, educational institution, or museum that receives state funds. Prevents Holocaust denial organizations, as defined, from disseminating information and conducting activities on the premises of these institutions, or involving the employees, clients, or students of these institutions. Permits injunctive relief and damages against the Holocaust denial organizations that commit violations.[3]”
Full text
The full text of the measure can be found here.
Fiscal impact
(Note: The fiscal impact statement for a California ballot initiative authorized for circulation is jointly prepared by the state's Legislative Analyst and its Director of Finance.) The statement reads:[2]
“ Given its restraint on free speech, a court may find this measure unconstitutional. If so, it would have no fiscal effect. If the measure could be implemented legally, the annual cost to state-funded educational institutions is unlikely to be significant statewide, but the cost for a particular local government in a particular year might be significant if it is sued and found to have violated the provisions of the measure.[3] ” Path to the ballot
See also: California signature requirements
Gregory Foulkes submitted a letter requesting a title and summary on October 1, 2015.[1]
A title and summary were issued by the Attorney General of California's office on December 7, 2015.[2]
365,880 valid signatures are required for qualification purposes. Supporters have until June 6, 2016, to collect the required signatures. State profile
California's population in 2014 was 38,802,500.
California's population in 2014 was 38,802,500, according to the United States Census Bureau. This estimate represented a 4.2 percent increase from the Bureau's 2010 estimate. The state's population per square mile was 239.1 in 2010, exceeding the national average of 87.4.
California experienced a 2 percent increase in total employment from 2011 to 2012, falling below the 2.2 percent increase at the national level during the same period. [4]
Demographics
California exceeded the national average for residents who attained at least bachelor's degrees, according to data from 2009 to 2013. The United States Census Bureau found that 30.7 percent of California residents aged 25 years and older attained bachelor's degrees, compared to 28.8 percent at the national level.
The median household income in California was $61,094 between 2009 and 2013, compared to a $53,046 national median income. Census information showed a 16.8 percent poverty rate in California during the study period, compared to a 14.5 percent national poverty rate.[4] To expand the boxes below, click [show] on the right side of each box.