On October 8, 2021, Governor Newsom vetoed AB 412 (Reyes) a bill that would have created the California Commission on Human Rights. The Council on American Islamic Relations – California (CAIR-CA) is deeply disappointed by the Governor’s decision to not establish a commission whose priority would be to assist and uplift the rights of the most disenfranchised in our state.
AB 412, authored by Majority Leader Reyes, and cosponsored by CAIR-CA, The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), and the Western Center on Law and Poverty (WCLP), saw widespread support in the Legislature and was ultimately coauthored by 17 members of the Legislature. If signed, the California Commission on Human Rights would have investigated and proposed necessary policy recommendations to protect the rights of communities that often may slip through the cracks of existing systems. CAIR-CA applauds the leadership of Majority Leader Reyes and thanks to the Legislature for illustrating their commitment to the human rights of Californians.
CAIR-CA and the American Muslim community of California remain deeply concerned for, and committed to, the protection of human rights for all Californians and will continue to advocate for solutions to promote these rights for all.
Hussam Ayloush, CEO of CAIR-CA said in a statement:
“While deeply disappointed in Governor Newsom for his decision to not prioritize the passage of a Commission on Human Rights, we at CAIR-CA will continue to prioritize and advocate for legislation which will promote these human rights across our state and show Governor Newsom why bills like AB 412 matter.”