In February, Assembly Member Warren Furutani (D-Long Beach) introduced a bill that would mandate training about the kirpan for all California law enforcement officers. If it passes, this would become the first law pertaining specifically to the Sikh kirpan anywhere in the United States.
On March 31st, the bill will confront its first hurdle – a hearing before the California Assembly’s Committee on Public Safety.
We need your help to convince the Committee to approve this bill.
The legislation arose out of the large number of Sikhs who have been arrested for carrying their kirpan – a mandatory article of the Sikh faith. The bill would teach officers how to recognize and interact with Sikhs carrying a kirpan.
Before it can be presented to the entire legislature for a vote, this bill must first be approved by the seven members of the Committee on Public Safety. Help us convince the Committee to approve the bill. Send them an email using the form below.
To read more about the proposed legislation, click here.
We strongly encourage you to personalize the email below. A stock message is never as effective as your own story.
