Sir,
I am alarmed at the recent acts of vandalism against our Gurdwara buildings by certain misguided people. Ever since the beginning of the Persian Gulf War acts of violence against our Sikh community members have also increased. Fortunately, we have not suffered any serious injury or damages. Several of you have asked what we can do to stop such violent acts?
Given the urgency of the matter, I would suggest that the Sikh leadership of our Gurdwaras form a statewide committee to plan a concerted and organized response to such acts of violence. Therefore, I would propose that we meet at my office on July 13, 1991 at 11:00 a.m. to discuss various alternatives available to us. I would suggest that each of the Gurdwaras discuss this issue with their executive committees and the Sangat, and designate one or two people for purposes of this committee and meeting. This will allow us to document such hate crimes throughout the State of California.
We have been successful in forming a “Hate Crime Task Force” within the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s office. The goal of this task force is to educate the public, work with other law enforcement agencies as well as various ethnic and religious organizations in making sure that the hate crime criminals are punished for their acts. I would form in each of the counties throughout California so that we are prepared to respond and perhaps through education even avoid such criminal acts.
I am enclosing a short summary of the California State laws which protect our religious and other rights. In order for us to be effective in protecting our religious rights, children, and families we must be prepared to work with all the local law enforcement agencies in making sure that these laws are vigorously enforced. As you may know, most police officers will not even consider an attack on a Gurdwara a hate crime. We have lots of work to do.
By this letter all Gurdwaras and other Sikh organizations in the State of California are requested that this issue be discussed within their respective executive committee and the Sangat I also encourage each Gurdwara and Sikh organizations to send their delegates to the meeting on July 13. I am of course, available to you to further discuss this matter. Please feel free to call or write with your suggestions or comments. It goes without saying that the image of the Sikh community projected to the general public is crucial to our success and we must project a positive image and enhance a better understanding of who we are and what we stand for!
List of applicable California State laws in protecting our religious and civil rights from acts Code Sections Purpose Penal Codes:
11411 Makes it a crime to display Hate symbols on the property of an another.
11412 Makes it a felony to attempt or cause another to refrain from exercise of Religion through threat or violence.
1170.75 Increases penalties where the underlying felony was based on Bias.
1170.8 Increases penalties where the underlying felony was based on Bias.
1170.8 Increases penalties when crimes such as robbery, arson, or assault is committed in are religious building.
594.3 Makes it a crime to desecrate buildings which are used primarily for religious purposes.
C.C. 52.1 Also known as Ralph Civil Rights Act allows for Injunctive Relief (court order) where there is interference with exercise of various civil rights.
- Governor Leo McCarthy has also co-sponsored SB 98 known as Hate Crimes Bill, If passed it will double sentences for misdemeanor hate crimes and add up to four years of prison time for felony hate crimes. It also increases civil penalties to $25,000.00 and lifts the arbitrary ceiling of $30,000.00 on punitive damage awards and will allow for unlimited judgments. It is crtical that we show our support for this bill.
Mohinder S Mann
San Jose
Article extracted from this publication >> July 5, 1991
