|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PRESS CONTACT
SAN FRANCISCO, CA — Yuba City Mayor Wade Kirchner and the Sikh community—one of the most populous diaspora communities in the Northern California city released a letter opposing Senate Bill 403 (SB 403) in the State Assembly. The letter raises concerns about the potential long-term negative consequences of introducing the concept of "caste" into existing California anti-discrimination statutes.
Yuba City, known for its diverse population, takes great pride in its multiculturalism. The Punjabi population in the Yuba-Sutter area is one of the largest in the United States, with a significant Sikh community that has thrived and contributed to the city's cultural tapestry. Yuba City is also home to several prominent Sikh temples.
The People of America for Righteousness and Social Equality (PARAS) was a key organization in pushing for this letter and messaging to come to fruition.
Richa Gautam, Founder of Caste Files, said: "There is a concerted campaign to attempt and portray division amongst the Hindu and Sikh communities over this issue. But, in reality, the majority of Sikhs agree with and are supportive of Hindus in opposing SB 403. This letter serves as a testament to the shared values and collective opposition to the bill within both communities."
During two recent City Council meetings, members of the Sikh community expressed their opposition to SB 403, which seeks to incorporate the concept of "caste" into California law. Although the bill may initially seem well-intentioned, community members have voiced concerns about the potential adverse effects this legislation might have in the long run.
At the June 20th Council meeting, community members delivered a presentation outlining their opposition to SB 403.
In his speech to the city councillors, Sardar Satnam Singh—who has lived in the U.S. for many years—said categorically that SB 403 will bring a system that does not exist in the U.S. He highlighted the colonial context of the caste system that perpetuated divisions and continued in India even after independence as caste is embedded in the legal system of India. Singh said we have to think about what will happen five to ten years from now if SB 403 is passed. Singh's speech can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/live/29ZlB_4VjCw?feature=share&t=2035
In the presentation, it was emphasized that existing California anti-discrimination statutes already cover caste discrimination. Section 1 of SB 403 explicitly states that the amendments in the bill are declarative of existing law and do not imply that caste discrimination is not already prohibited under existing anti-discrimination provisions, including protections for religion, ancestry, national origin, ethnicity, race, color, or any other protected characteristic.
Considering that discrimination based on caste is already addressed by prevailing anti-discrimination laws, the introduction of the caste system into California law appears unnecessary and raises concerns among the Sikh community in Yuba City.
As SB 403 progresses through the State Assembly, the Yuba City Council respectfully acknowledges and supports the Sikh community's letter opposing this bill. Mayor Kirchner and the Sikh community have expressed valid concerns about the potential ramifications of incorporating the caste system into California's legal framework.
Caste Files urges the State Assembly to carefully consider the concerns raised and engage in a meaningful dialogue with the Sikh community before making a decision regarding SB 403.
Here is a copy of the letter:
If you are interested in understanding the truth about caste and race, please visit the Caste Files website at http://www.castefiles.com and become part of the conversation.
####
|
