Sacramento, CA: A number of US based Sikh organizations applaud the introduction of SB 509, a California state bill to combat transnational repressionincluding transnational repression by the government of India that continues to threaten U.S.-based Sikhs.

A release by the Sikh Coalition reads: SB 509, introduced by State Senator Anna M. Caballero (CA-D-14), offers a formal definition of transnational repression and requires the development of a transnational repression recognition and response training for state and local law enforcement agencies. Of note, a bill similar to SB 509 (Assembly Bill 3027) was introduced in the California Assembly by Assembly member Dr. Jasmeet Bains (CA-D-35) in the last legislative session; the Sikh Coalition has collaborated with Senator Caballeros office, Assembly member Dr. Bains office, the Jakara Movement, the American Sikh Caucus Committee, and SALDEF on this latest iteration of the measure.

The Sikh Coalition is proud to support this critical measure, said Puneet Kaur, Sikh Coalition Senior State Policy Manager.

Transnational repression remains a persistent threat against our community, recognized by the FBI, Department of Justice, and elected officials at all levels of government, and states have an important role to play in making sure that Sikh civil rights and lives are protected. SB 509 gives California the opportunity to be a clear leader in the nation on addressing this pressing matter, and we are thankful to both Senator Caballero and Assemblymember Dr. Bains for their work on this issue, Puneet Kaur added.

The Sikh Coalition looks forward to sharing our letter of support and offering testimony for SB 509 when it is formally submitted to the Senate Public Safety Committee. We will provide updates as the bill moves through the legislative process; if passed, this would be the first state bill in the nation (to our knowledge) to formally recognize and address transnational repression, the Sikh Coalitions release reads further.