Openly gay state Sen. Mark Leno, D-San Francisco, introduced a bill today, sponsored by Equality California , that would require public school materials to include the historical contributions of gay people as a way to fight bullying. Leno’s Senate Bill 48 is similar to a proposal that was approved by the Legislature in 2006 but vetoed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

“Most textbooks don’t include any historical information about the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) movement, which has great significance to both California and U.S. history,” Leno said in a press release. Leno was recently named to prominent leadership as chairman of the Senate Budget Committee. Leno added: “Our collective silence on this issue perpetuates negative stereotypes of LGBT people and leads to increased bullying of young people.”

The bill’s aim is to work information about historical figures and events into materials that are up for regular review and revision by state public school authorities. Leno said the inclusion of information about gays would mirror the steps the state has required to include information about women and ethnic minorities in school materials.

Taking cognizance of recent increase in gay teen suicides, this measure may well change the tone in schools. Given the election of Jerry Brown if it passes again, Gov Jerry Brown is certain to approve.