Insurance Commissioner Lara issues statement on Governor’s clemency initiative
News: 2020 Press Release
LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara issued the following statement on Governor Gavin Newsom's clemency initiative, pardoning people who were prosecuted in California for being gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer.
“This historic moment for Californians is a tremendous victory for all LGBTQ people who suffered persecution under antiquated laws we now recognize were unjust and discriminatory.
“It is crucial we use our executive authority to ensure justice and protect all people from discrimination. And as the first openly gay person elected to statewide office in California’s history, I would like to wholeheartedly commend Governor Newsom for correcting this injustice. Californians should not be persecuted for who they love. Now there is a path to clemency for LGBTQ individuals who were wrongfully convicted. The posthumous pardon of the great civil rights leader Bayard Rustin is monumental and I believe this historic new clemency initiative further underscores Governor Newsom's longstanding support and respect for the LGBTQ community.”
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Led by Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, the California Department of Insurance is the consumer protection agency for the nation's largest insurance marketplace and safeguards all of the state’s consumers by fairly regulating the insurance industry. Under the Commissioner’s direction, the Department uses its authority to protect Californians from insurance rates that are excessive, inadequate, or unfairly discriminatory, oversee insurer solvency to pay claims, set standards for agents and broker licensing, perform market conduct reviews of insurance companies, resolve consumer complaints, and investigate and prosecute insurance fraud. Consumers are urged to call 1-800-927-4357 with any questions or contact us at www.insurance.ca.gov via webform or online chat. Non-media inquiries should be directed to the Consumer Hotline at 800-927-4357. Teletypewriter (TTY), please dial 800-482-4833.
