The California chapter of the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR-CA), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today celebrated Governor Gavin Newsom’s recent enactment of SB 309 and SB 461.
SB 309: Protecting Religious Rights in Carceral Facilities
The bill, authored by Senator Dave Cortese and sponsored by CAIR-CA, The Church State Council, Exodus Project, Jakara Movement, and Tayba Foundation, will create a statewide policy ensuring the right to religious headwear, clothing, and grooming—integral aspects of religious expression for many faith communities—to those in California’s carceral system. Denying this right is a harmful and deeply violating experience. Studies have shown that religious practice promotes rehabilitation and reduces recidivism and negative behaviors during incarceration.
SEE: SB 309 Correctional facilities: religious accommodations
In a statement, CAIR-CA Associate Manager of Justice & Equity in Community Investments Leena Sabagh said:
“Being incarcerated, imprisoned, or accused of a crime should not strip a person of their religious liberties and civil rights. SB 309 recognizes the constitutionally and federally protected right to religious exercise by ensuring the right to religious clothing, grooming, and headwear accommodations in California’s detention facilities.”
In a statement, Church State Council’s Legislative Assistant Natalie Eva said:
“We commend Senator Dave Cortese for his leadership in this important measure, which builds upon the provisions of AB 1964 (2012), co-authored by the Church State Council. While AB 1964 broadly recognized the rights of employees with respect to grooming and clothing, SB 309 now applies the same protection to Californians incarcerated within the state. Incarcerated Californians inevitably forfeit many of their basic rights, but the right to religious freedom is not among them.”
SB 461: Recognizing Cultural and Religious Diversity in the Workplace
The bill, authored by Senator Aisha Wahab and sponsored by CAIR-CA, will allow state employees to use an allotted eight hours of holiday credit for holidays related to an employee’s religion, culture, or heritage. Currently, the time may only be used for certain predetermined holidays.
SEE: SB 461 Days and hours of work: religious or cultural observance
In a statement, CAIR-CA Policy & Government Affairs Manager Nazeehah Khan said:
“This bill nurtures steps toward inclusion and creates a precedent for other sectors to implement similar practices. We thank Senator Wahab for her determined leadership on this crucial piece of legislation and coauthors Senator Becker, Cortese, Min, Skinner, Smallwood-Cuevas, and Weiner for their strong support.”
Washington, D.C., based CAIR offers a booklet, called An Employer’s Guide to Islamic Religious Practices, to help employers gain a better understanding of Islam and Muslims in the workplace.
SEE: An Employer’s Guide to Islamic Religious Practices
AB 1503: Recognizing Cultural and Religious Diversity in Schools
CAIR-CA’s third priority bill, AB 1503, which seeks to grant K–12 public school students a full day of excused absence per semester for religious purposes, is pending the Governor’s signature. The deadline for enacting legislation is October 14, 2023.
SEE: AB 1503 Pupil attendance: excused absences: religious retreats