Carl DeMaio Blasts California Pride Resolution

By: Paul Goldberg, Senior Editor | JRL CHARTS LGBT Politics USA

SACRAMENTO, CA — (June 26, 2025) — In a rare intra-community clash on the California Assembly floor, openly gay Republican lawmaker Carl DeMaio ignited political controversy after slamming a Pride Month resolution as “inflammatory” and “divisive,” claiming it crosses the line from commemoration into partisan policy.

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The HR 43 California Pride Month Resolution, authored by Democratic Assemblymember and LGBTQ Caucus Chair Christopher Ward, reaffirms California’s support for LGBTQ+ communities and condemns nationwide anti-LGBTQ+ legislation — specifically targeting bills that deny gender-affirming care, ban inclusive books, and limit transgender athletes’ rights.

DeMaio: Resolution Weaponizes Pride for Political Gain

Speaking to Newsweek, DeMaio said he previously approached Ward about amending the language to remove direct references to transgender policy battles — including youth sports participation and bathroom access. He contended that the resolution’s tone was “erroneous and inflammatory,” stating:

“It takes policy positions rather than simply honoring Pride Month. If we had focused on unity, we could’ve passed a resolution that Republicans could proudly support. That would’ve been historic.”

Despite his proposed edits, Ward and fellow Democrats moved forward with the original version.

Ward Fires Back: ‘Erasing Our Struggles Is What’s Divisive’

In response to DeMaio’s criticism, Ward told Newsweek the resolution was designed to honor LGBTQ+ history and acknowledge present-day struggles:

“What’s truly inflammatory and dishonest is DeMaio’s attempt to erase key elements of our movement—from Stonewall to Prop 8—while ignoring the real attacks LGBTQ+ people face today.”

Ward emphasized that recognizing ongoing threats to transgender and intersex individuals is essential during Pride, not optional.

During the Assembly debate, DeMaio’s speech was repeatedly interrupted by birthday announcements made by Democratic Assembly Speaker Pro Tempore Josh Lowenthal, adding a layer of tension to an already charged discussion.

Ultimately, Democrats passed the resolution without Republican support, with DeMaio voting against it. The Assembly currently holds a Democratic majority with 60 seats compared to Republicans’ 19.

Footnotes – HR 43 California Pride Month Resolution

About HR 43 – The resolution formally recognizes June 2025 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month in California. It was introduced by Assemblymember Christopher Ward on May 22, 2025, to honor the LGBTQ+ community’s history, achievements, and struggles.
Resolution Emphasis – HR 43 highlights California’s legacy of equality, with particular focus on transgender, gender-diverse, and intersex (TGI) individuals, and references current nationwide legislative attacks against LGBTQ+ rights.
Controversial Language – The resolution includes statements about anti-LGBTQ+ policies, such as transgender sports bans, book censorship, and bathroom legislation. This language prompted criticism from Assemblymember Carl DeMaio, who argued it crosses into partisan “policy positions.”
Legislative Status – As of June 16, 2025, HR 43 has been ordered to its third reading after passing committee recommendations. The California Assembly holds a Democratic supermajority, increasing the likelihood of full adoption.
Historical Context – This is not the first time a resolution titled HR 43 has been introduced to recognize Pride Month. A prior version appeared in the 2013–2014 session, also centered on LGBTQ+ recognition and advocacy.

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