California’s Controversial LGBT Contracting Procedures

An independent journalist, Christopher Rufo, shared insights regarding a newly published article in City Journal that highlights California’s initiative to encourage utilities to grant $633 million in contracts to companies identified as LGBT-owned. This undertaking involves unusually strict requirements, including the submission of evidence related to one’s sexual orientation.

To be eligible, business owners could be asked to provide various documents like a same-sex marriage license, a letter from an LGBT organization, or an affidavit from someone who can vouch for their sexual orientation. Failing to comply—especially if someone falsely claims to be LGBT—could result in severe consequences, including a year in prison.

Glenn Beck expressed his astonishment upon hearing this news, stating, “That’s insane.” His team member, Jason Butrill, went on to explain that California officials use a so-called “gay identification checklist” to assess applicants.

One item on this checklist demands three letters of introduction from personal contacts who have known the applicant for at least a year, confirming the individual’s homosexuality. This elicited laughter from Glenn, who wondered, “What’s the question?”

Another requirement entails a letter from a recognized LGBT organization, signed by its leader, attesting to the applicant’s sexual identity. “Now you need to consult an organization instead of a friend. They’re really giving power to that organization. It’s unbelievable,” he remarked.

Perhaps most perplexingly, applicants must provide evidence of media coverage that explicitly states their LGBT status. Glenn scoffed, saying, “You have to act as an activist. Just being a quiet gay couple running a restaurant isn’t enough; you have to declare your identity publicly.”

Butrill added that having a municipal or state license, marriage certificate, or domestic partnership certificate is also a prerequisite. Glenn highlighted the absurdity by contrasting it with voting, noting that no ID is needed to vote in California, yet a gay ID is required to run a business.

Butrill raised concerns, feeling that many in the gay community would likely be outraged over this policy, as it puts them on an official list. Glenn shared these worries, suggesting that such lists could be dangerous if individuals hostile to the LGBT community gain power, stating, “People are so blind…Good luck, California.”

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