CA Governor Signs Law Expanding Religious Rights of Incarcerated

SACRAMENTO, CA – A legislative measure to give incarcerated people in California new religious protections was signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom this weekend, according to the bill’s author, Senator Dave Cortese (D-San Jose).

Cortese’s office said SB 309 “sets clear rules about religious clothing, headwear, and grooming for people being booked into prison or jail. (It) follows research that shows when inmates can practice their spiritual tradition while in detention, they’re less likely to be violent or engage in other negative behaviors,” adding, “free exercise rights among incarcerated people also reduces the chances of recidivism.”

Cortese said, “Freedom of religious expression doesn’t only exist outside of prison walls. Never again in California should someone be stripped of their religion while they are booked into a detention facility.”

The lawmaker added, “Free expression is a First Amendment right, and an important component to rehabilitation and redemption. Regardless of whether you’re a Muslim person donning a hijab, a Jewish individual wearing a yarmulke, or a Sikh person wearing a turban, you will keep your civil liberties and First Amendment rights even while serving time.”

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