EQCA - Equality California

09/11/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/11/2025 11:57

Equality California Statement on the Passing of John Burton

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 11, 2025

CONTACT: Jorge Reyes Salinas, Equality California
PHONE: (213) 355-3057/MOBILE: (213) 355-3057/EMAIL: [email protected]

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.- Equality California released the following statement on the passing of longtime California legislator and progressive leader John Burton:

"Equality California mourns the loss of Senator John Burton, a towering progressive leader whose fierce advocacy and unwavering commitment to justice transformed our state," said Equality California Executive Director Tony Hoang "From sponsoring early legislation to recognize same-sex couples to championing the rights of foster youth, working families, and the most marginalized among us, John embodied the values of equality and compassion throughout his decades of service. "Our thoughts are with his family, loved ones, and the countless people whose lives were touched by his work."

"His mentorship of leaders like Nancy Pelosi, Alex Padilla, and many others, including me throughout my career in public service, shaped California's progressive legacy," said Equality California Board Member and former San Francisco Supervisor and BART Director Bevan Dufty."We join Californians across the state in honoring his extraordinary life and in recommitting ourselves to the fight for justice and equality that he carried forward with courage and conviction."

###

Equality California is the nation's largest statewide LGBTQ civil rights organization. We bring the voices of LGBTQ people and allies to institutions of power in California and across the United States, striving to create a world that is healthy, just, and fully equal for all LGBTQ people. We advance civil rights and social justice by inspiring, advocating and mobilizing through an inclusive movement that works tirelessly on behalf of those we serve. https://www.eqca.org

EQCA - Equality California published this content on September 11, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on September 11, 2025 at 17:58 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]