SANTA CRUZ, Calif. -- The state Assembly heard testimony Wednesday on a bill that would require all California textbooks to note the accomplishments of gays and lesbians in history, and the stage is being set for a veto from the governor.

The controversial bill, SB 1437, is co-authored by Assemblyman John Laird, D-Santa Cruz. California could make history by passing it.

Read: Text Of SB 1437

"The achievements of gays and lesbians throughout history are relevant whether or not you agree with people being gay and lesbian or how you feel about from a religous, social, or philosophical point of view," said Amy Wirth of the Diversity Center.

Opponents of the bill said the sexuality of historical figures is irrelevant to their contributions.

"They are talked about as men and women who are making contributions to our country, who have stepped up as statesmen, political people ... whatever their contributions have been ... and they're just looked at as people," said Rev. Dean Bouzeos of Santa Cruz Bible Church.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has said he will veto the bill, but that's little discouragement said those pushing for more diversity and tolerance in schools where children may struggle with their own identity.

"You know, we can learn a lot from each other whether it be the Latino community, whether it be gays and lesbians, whether it be the Christian community ... how they dealt with the human condition, and I think that's really important in what we want to teach in our history books," said John Collins of the Santa Cruz City School Board.

California adopts new standards every six years for kindergarten through eighth grade in the four core subject matters -- history, math, and science.

The state has just completed revisions to history standards and is revising science standards this year.

The bill has already passed the state Senate.