Fathers and Families recently learned of AB 2674, a California family court-related bill sponsored by Assemblyman Marty Block (D-San Diego). To learn more about the bill, see the Associated Press story Calif. bill would target spouses who hire hit men. As we pointed out in Fathers and Families’ support letter for the bill, the bill is not only the right thing to do but also helps correct a gender bias in the law. F & F’s official support letter, which can be seen here, is below.
June 17, 2010 Assemblyman Marty Block State Capitol P.O. Box 942849 Sacramento,
CA 94249-0078 Tel: (916) 319-2078 Fax: (916) 319-2178 Re: AB 2674: Solicitation of Murder Position: SUPPORT Dear Assemblyman Block: One of Fathers and Families” goals is to eliminate gender bias in family court, and AB 2674 helps. Research shows that in domestic homicides, men are more likely to kill their partners or former partners by themselves, whereas women are much more likely to employ hit men or contract killers to kill their partners or former partners. Current law rightly states that spouses convicted of murdering or attempting to murder their husbands or wives are not entitled to reap any financial benefits during divorce proceedings. AB 2674 would amend the law to include husbands or wives who solicit the murder of their spouse. We support AB 2674 because we believe that it resolves the gender inequality on this issue and helps ensure that all parties are treated fairly. Fathers & Families commends Assemblyman Marty Block for carrying this timely bill, and we urge all members to support this legislation. Fathers & Families is a national 501(c)3 not-for-profit charitable organization with offices in Sacramento, Los Angeles, and Boston. Fathers & Families improves the lives of children and strengthens society by protecting the child”s right to the love and care of both parents after separation or divorce. We seek better lives for children through family court reform that establishes equal rights and responsibilities for fathers and mothers. Together with you in the love of our children, Glenn Sacks, MA Executive Director, Fathers & Families