HR 52
Page 1
Date of Hearing: August 31, 2023
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON RULES
James Ramos, Chair
HR 52 (Reyes) – As Amended August 28, 2023
SUBJECT: American Muslim Appreciation and Awareness Month.
SUMMARY: Recognizes the month of August 2023 as American Muslim Appreciation and
Awareness Month. Specifically, this resolution makes the following legislative findings:
1) Freedom of religion holds the distinction of being a cherished right and a fundamental value
upon which the law and ethics of the United States are based.
2) Enriched by the unparalleled diversity of its residents, the State of California takes great
pride in supporting individual religious freedoms and is strengthened by the diverse religious,
political, and cultural traditions of its residents, including Americans who practice Islam.
3) Approximately one million American Muslims currently reside in California, the highest
number of any state in the United States. American Muslims contribute greatly to charitable
organizations that help people from all faiths and backgrounds by providing medical
assistance, family services, scholastic supplies, before- and after-school programs, feeding
the hungry, and providing recuperation efforts following natural disasters.
4) California is home to several prominent Muslim figures who continue to make significant
contributions to the State of California and the United States as business owners, legal
professionals, doctors, engineers, teachers, farmers, civil rights leaders, humanitarians,
athletes, and in many other great, notable capacities.
5) Incidences of hate continue to impact the Muslim community. Last year, the California
chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CA) received 614 civil rights
intakes ranging from hate crimes, mosque vandalism, school bullying, workplace and
housing discrimination, and hate speech targeted at Muslims.
6) It is appropriate to acknowledge and promote awareness of the myriad invaluable
contributions of American Muslims in California and across the country, and extend to them
the respect and camaraderie every American deserves.
FISCAL EFFECT: None
REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:
Support
Council on American-Islamic Relations, California (CAIR-CA)
Opposition
None on file
Analysis Prepared by: Michael Erke / RLS. / (916) 319-2800