Late last week, Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-31) called on California State Bar President Craig Holden to conduct an inquiry into the homophobic ballot proposal submitted by attorney Matthew McLaughlin, which would permit the murder of gay and lesbian Californians. In a letter sent to Mr. Holden, Rep. Aguilar suggested an investigation be conducted and possible disciplinary action be taken, including disbarment. He wrote:

“The contents of this proposal, and views of Mr. McLaughlin, are homophobic, beyond the pale, and unbecoming of an officer of the court. The notion that persons can be singled out and murdered because of their sexual orientation is repugnant and constitutes a violent threat to countless citizens and individuals within our community.”

“This cannot be tolerated, and I believe that an inquiry must be conducted into this proposal and those disciplinary actions, including disbarment, that may be applicable in this circumstance.”

The disturbing ballot initiative calls for a law authorizing “any person who willingly touches another person of the same gender for purposes of sexual gratification be put to death by bullets to the head or by any other convenient method.” Last week, California Attorney General Kamala Harris sought a court order to stop the proposal from moving forward. Rep. Aguilar’s letter can be read in full here.