CAIR-CA Celebrates Governor Newsom’s Signing of SB 309

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.       

SEESB 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.”  

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