P1 1WHEREAS, Freedom of religion holds distinction as a cherished
2right and a foundational value upon which the laws and ethics of
3the United States are based; and
4WHEREAS, Enriched by the unparalleled diversity of its
5residents, the State of California takes great pride in supporting
6individual religious freedoms and is strengthened by the many
7varied religious, political, and cultural traditions of its diverse
8population, including those Americans who practice Islam; and
9WHEREAS, The history of Islam in this country dates back to
10before its founding, originating with African slaves who brought
11their Muslim beliefs with them to the Americas and who later
12contributed in numerous ways to the founding of the nation, and
13there are today millions of Muslim Americans, both immigrant
14and native-born, of diverse backgrounds and beliefs; and
15WHEREAS, The United States benefits greatly from the
16expertise, patriotism, and humanitarianism of Muslim Americans,
17who represent 10 percent of America’s physicians, helping to heal
18hundreds of thousands of Americans each year; who have long
19distinguished themselves as courageous and dedicated members
20of the United States Armed Forces, fighting and sacrificing in
21every major war from the American Revolutionary War to
22present-day conflicts; and who regularly contribute to the health
23and vitality of their communities, giving food to the hungry,
P2 1sheltering the needy, and providing inexpensive or free health
2services, among other community services; and
3WHEREAS, The earliest Muslim immigrants to California
4mostly worked on farms and made significant contributions to
5early agricultural efforts, and since the abolition of the national
6quota on immigration in 1965 by the passage of the Hart-Celler
7Act, more and more Muslims have migrated to California, with
8approximately one million Muslim Americans currently residing
9in communities throughout the state, the highest number in the
10United States; and
11WHEREAS, Similarly, there are currently more than 240
12mosques in California, more than any other state in the nation, and
13the people of California and the greater United States benefit from
14the several large Muslim religious, educational, charitable,
15advocacy, and empowerment organizations that operate within the
16state, as well as from the countless prominent Muslim community
17leaders who distinguish themselves professionally as business
18owners, law professionals, doctors, engineers, teachers, and
19farmers, among numerous other valued professions; and
20WHEREAS, Although the majority of Muslim Americans within
21California and throughout the nation strive to promote peace and
22understanding between all faiths, identities, and nationalities while
23upholding those values and principles that define the American
24people, they have nonetheless been forced to endure harassment,
25assault, and discrimination since the terrorist attack on September
2611, 2001, and during the year 2015 alone, there were approximately
27174 reported incidents of anti-Muslim violence and vandalism in
28the United States. It is therefore appropriate to acknowledge and
29promote awareness of the myriad invaluable contributions of
30Muslim Americans in California and across the country, and extend
31to them the respect and camaraderie every American deserves;
32now, therefore, be it
33Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, That the
34Assembly joins communities throughout the State of California
35in recognizing the month of August 2016 as Muslim Appreciation
36and Awareness Month, respectfully acknowledges the rich history
37and guiding virtues of Muslim Americans, and commends Muslim
38communities in California for the lasting positive impact they have
39made, and continue to make, toward the advancement of the state
40and the nation; and be it further
P3 1Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies
2of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.
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