Eugenics in 1909 California (click image to enlarge)

The first California sterilization (asexualization) law in 1909. The note on the right of the image is "Asexualization of inmates of state institutions."

The note in the second image is "State prisoners." (Click to enlarge.)

How did this come about? We know many eugenicists wanted to pass such laws, but how did they get the public to agree? I will try to trace the evolution and see how it originated and see where it goes. Who introduced the bill? Who backed him? Who financed it? Was there a public outcry due to a particularly shocking case?