Senators Portantino, Wilk Introduce Bill Allowing Local Agencies to Divest From the Republic of Turkey

Tuesday, Senator Anthony J. Portantino was joined by Senator Scott Wilk of Santa Clarita in introducing SB 457, a measure that requires the Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS) and the State Teachers’ Retirement System (STRS) Boards of Administration to allow school districts and cities to opt out of investment vehicles issued or owned by the Republic of Turkey.

“It’s critical that we send a strong message to the Republic of Turkey that California does not support its ongoing and aggressive denial of the Armenian Genocide and its unprovoked attacks on Artsakh,” Portantino said.

“The State of California is home to the largest Armenian diaspora population in the United States and we stand in solidarity with Armenian Americans living in California, most of whom are direct descendants of the survivors of the Armenian Genocide,” he said. “We must take this opportunity to make a strong statement and create a pragmatic approach to divestment.”

The State of California has a long history of divesting from countries that violate human rights. In 1986, Governor George Deukmejian condemned South Africa’s apartheid policy by signing California’s divestiture law, aimed at pressuring the government to end its system of racial segregation. In 2008, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a Sudan divestment bill due to the ongoing genocide in the Darfur.

In agreeing with Portantino,  Wilk said it is important to “take a principled stand against Turkey’s shameful denial of the Armenian Genocide and it’s aggression against the Republic of Artsakh. Silence is not an option, as it will embolden the government of Turkey to commit further crimes against humanity.”

Portantino drafted SB 457 after discussing with Glendale City Councilmember Ardy Kassakhian the initiative he brought forth to the Glendale City Council to divest investment dollars from the Republic of Turkey.

“In addition to its well-funded campaign of Armenian Genocide denial, the government of Turkey continues to supports terrorist groups, using them to expand their influence in the region. Californians should be able to divest their dollars from such dictatorial regimes,” Kassakhian said.

Legislators who have signed on in support of SB 457 include Senators Bob Archuleta (D – Pico Rivera) and Andreas Borgeas (R – Fresno) as co-authors.

Portantino said he he will continue to work closely with the Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region and other Armenian American organizations as the bill moves through the legislative process.