A press conference was held at the West Sacramento Gurdwara to discuss legislation for the protection of Sikhs and others in the workplace. California state Assemblywoman, Mariko Yamada held the press conference surrounded by members of the interfaith community. The purpose of the conference was to bring to light discrimination that Sikhs and other faiths face when applying for jobs and while working in a workplace.
The legislation known as the Workplace Religious Freedom Act of 2012 (AB1964) will be considered by two legislative committees.
A press release stated that California Sikhs continue to face discrimination in the workplace especially because of their religious articles that they are required to wear. According to a Sikh Coalition report approximately 12 percent of Sikhs in the San Francisco Bay area have come face to face or experience some form of job discrimination. The report was published in 2010.
Last year, New York City Mayor, Michael Bloomberg signed a city version of the Workplace Religion Freedom Act after a six-year effort by the Sikh Coalition.
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