SACRAMENTO, California (Press Release) – Assemblymembers Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino), Chair of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus, and Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D-Orinda), Member of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus, celebrated the signing of two major Jewish Caucus Priority Bills into law—part of a legislative package championed by the Jewish Caucus that aims to protect Jewish communities, combat rising antisemitism, and promote justice and equity for all Californians.
The bills signed, Assembly Bill (AB) 2664 and AB 1836, will strengthen protections for houses of worship and help communities safely gather in the face of rising threats of hate-motivated violence.
Governor Gavin Newsom signed both bills at a meaningful ceremony held at the Wilshire Boulevard Temple in Los Angeles, the site of a “disturbing outbreak of hate that resulted in arrests for battery and the destruction of property,” late last year, according to Rabbi Joel Nickerson of the Temple. Protesters blocked the sidewalk and prevented Temple employees from leaving, underscoring the need to ensure that people can safely enter and exit houses of worship without fear or intimidation.
In response to this incident and others like it, Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan authored AB 2664, the Safe Worship Zone Act, which Governor Newsom signed into law last week. The law establishes a protected zone around the entrances of houses of worship, within which protesters may not harass congregants or approach them without their consent. AB 2664 takes a measured approach, building on existing legal precedent to protect both the freedom to worship and the right to protest. It ensures that Californians of every faith, whether they attend a synagogue, church, mosque, temple, or gurdwara, can enter and leave their house of worship without obstruction or intimidation.
“For too long, too many people have been asked to accept fear as part of practicing their faith. As a Jewish woman and a mother, I know this is not abstract — one in four Jewish Americans now says they do not feel safe attending Jewish institutions. AB 2664 says we cannot accept that as normal, and it should never become the norm. This bill creates a safe bubble zone around houses of worship so people of all faiths can worship with the dignity, peace, and security they deserve,” said Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D-Orinda).
Governor Newsom also signed Assembly Bill (AB) 1836, authored by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel and Assemblymember Chris Ward. AB 1836 similarly provides support to houses of worship as well as other vulnerable nonprofits at risk of violent attacks and hate crimes, including LGBTQ organizations and reproductive health clinics. The bill expands the California State Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) so nonprofits can use grant funding to secure events that bring people out into the community, including Pride parades, cultural festivals, public celebrations, and more.
“California has built the most robust state-level Nonprofit Security Grant Program in the nation, providing critical security funding to more than 1,600 houses of worship, LGBTQ+ community centers, reproductive health clinics, and other nonprofits at risk of hate-motivated violence. This year, a diverse interfaith coalition came together to secure $80 million in ongoing annual funding to permanently sustain this lifesaving program,” said Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino), Chair of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus. “AB 1836 builds on that historic milestone by ensuring that security funding is also available for offsite events like Pride celebrations, marches, and cultural and religious festivals. It sends a clear message that Californians of all faiths and backgrounds should be able to gather, worship, and celebrate without fear. Under Governor Newsom’s leadership, California has been at the forefront of the fight against hate, and we are deeply grateful to him for signing this important new law.”
“Every Californian deserves to feel safe when they enter a place of worship, walk into a community center, attend a Pride celebration, or gather with their community,” said Assemblymember Chris Ward (D-San Diego), Joint Author of AB 1836 and Chair of the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus. “AB 1836 strengthens California’s commitment to protecting organizations and communities that too often face threats simply because of who they are or who they serve. I am grateful to our legislative colleagues for passing this important legislation and to the governor for signing it into law, as well as thankful to my friend and fellow Diversity Caucus Chair, Assemblymember Gabriel, for leading the charge. With Governor Newsom signing AB 1836, California is ensuring our LGBTQ+, Jewish, and other communities targeted by hate have the resources they need to gather safely and without fear.”
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Preceding provided by office of Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan.