Brown signs bills to allow turbans at workplace, teaching of Sikh religion

Community responds with peace and unity rally

SACRAMENTO: A peace and unity rally was organized in this capital city of California by North American Punjabi Association (NAPA) in association with Federation of Indian Associations (FIA), Fremont Hindu Temple and many other organizations to show Sikh community solidarity in the face of the August Sikh killings in Oak Creek, Wisconsin.

The highlight of the event was California Governor Jerry Brown signing two bills to protect and extend civil liberties in California. AB 1964 was introduced by Assembly Member Mariko Yamada of California’s 8th district, promoting openness by providing reasonable accommodations to stop discrimination in employment. This will allow Sikhs to wear turbans and religious clothing at work places without fear of retribution.
SB1540 was introduced by Assembly Member Loni Hancock and was pioneered by Dr. Omkar Singh Bindra. Sikh leader Dr. Bindra is at the forefront of community service. This bill paves the way for California history text books to teach about Sikh religion in a clear, unbiased manner.
On August 5, seven people were killed when a white supremacist shooter began firing at innocent worshippers in the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin in Oak Creek, WI.
It was a gruesome incident that highlighted hate crimes and violence Sikhs have been subjected to in recent years. Among those critically wounded was brave police officer Brian Murphy who was one of the first responders and took a barrage of bullets. His actions saved many innocent lives.
People from all over the country gathered at the doorsteps of California State Capitol in Sacramento to pay their respects.
There was representation from Colorado, Canada, Oregon, Seattle, San Francisco Bay area and local communities. Event was covered by media contingent including Sargam TV USA and IND TV.
Community leaders emphasized the contributions of the Sikh community to the nation and the need for more main-stream tolerance of religious minorities. Dignitaries Dalwinder Singh Dhoot, Satnam Singh Chahal, Dr. Romesh Japra, Raj Bhanot from Sunnyvale Temple and Indian Consul General N. Parthasarthi were present at the event.

Ritu Maheshwari