BILL NUMBER: HR 59	INTRODUCED
	BILL TEXT


INTRODUCED BY   Assembly Member Quirk

                        JUNE 30, 2016

   Relative to Muslim Appreciation and Awareness Month.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
             HOUSE OR SENATE RESOLUTIONS DO NOT CONTAIN A DIGEST



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