(ANAHEIM, CA, 04/26/17) – This past Monday, April 24, the California Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CA) hosted the 6th Annual Muslim Day at the Capitol (MDAC) in Sacramento. Almost 800 participants, of which more than 700 were Muslims from across the state of California, held over 100 advocacy meetings with state officials at the State Capitol.
WATCH: Hundreds of Muslims gather at Capitol to advocate for inclusive California. | FOX40
The participants advocated on four issues in an effort to promote just, equitable and progressive policies within the State. These included protecting immigrants and religious freedoms, setting hate crime standards, and developing measures to prevent school bullying.
1) CALIFORNIA RELIGIOUS FREEDOM ACT (SB 31) – CAIR-CA Co-Sponsoring
This bill would prohibit a state or local agency from participating in a federal program to create a database on a person’s religious beliefs, national origin, or ethnicity for law enforcement or immigration purposes. It would also prevent state and local law enforcement agencies from collecting information on the religious beliefs, practices, or affiliations of an individual except under certain circumstances.
2) THE CALIFORNIA VALUES ACT (SB 54)
This bill would protect the safety and well-being of all Californians by ensuring that state and local resources are not used to fuel mass deportations, and that public schools, state health facilities, and courthouses remain safe and accessible to all California residents, regardless of their immigration status.
3) HATE CRIME REPORTING STANDARDS (AB 158)
This bill would establish uniform hate crime reporting standards for law enforcement agencies statewide. It would ensure that hate crimes are properly recorded by peace officers at the local level in order to ensure proper prosecution in those cases.
4) SAFE PLACE TO LEARN ACT (AB 1318) – CAIR-CA Co-Sponsoring
This bill would require the Department of Education to assess whether the local educational agency has provided information to all employees on how to support all students who may face bias or bullying. Additionally, it would require the information to include resources that provide support to youth and their families who have been subjected to bullying or faced bias.
CAIR-CA hosted a press conference featuring Secretary of State Alex Padilla, Assemblyman and author of AB 1318 David Chiu and CAIR-SFBA Executive Director Zahra Billoo. MDAC attendees heard from various CA state officials, including Senator Ricardo Lara, author of SB 31 and Deputy Controller of Legislative Affairs Evan Goldberg.
"Muslim Day at the Capitol aims to provide our community with a platform to build relationships with their legislators and advocate for issues that positively shape our local communities.”said CAIR-LA Executive Director Hussam Ayloush. The growing success of MDAC each year illustrates that CA Muslims are strengthening their political muscle and helping influence CA politics for a more inclusive, tolerant and just state."
CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.
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CONTACT: CAIR-LA Communications Coordinator Ojaala Ahmad, oahmad@cair.com, 714-851-4851