RICHMOND, Va. (Diya TV) — The Virginia General Assembly and Gov. Glenn Youngkin have greenlit legislation from Delegate JJ Singh to safeguard places of worship throughout the state as faith communities continue to face threats of hate crimes.
The bill, HB 2594, sets best practices for religious institutions to prepare for and respond to targeted acts of violence. It goes into effect on July 1. The legislation was passed with bipartisan support in both houses of the legislature and signed by the governor.
This is an important step closer to keeping our communities protected from hate crimes and allowing all Virginians to exercise their faith without fear,” Singh announced in a statement that was shared on X. He is the first turbaned Sikh to be elected to any United States state legislature.
HB 2594 instructs state agencies and religious organizations to work together in security planning, emergency response plans, and other initiatives to enhance safety in synagogues, churches, mandirs, mosques, gurdwaras, and other houses of worship.
Legislative advocates like the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) endorsed the bill. Executive Director Kiran Kaur Gill stated that the law is a direct reaction to increasing concerns expressed by Sikh Americans and other religious communities. “We applaud Delegate Singh for his leadership and vision in meeting these critical safety demands,” Gill stated.
“This is the kind of proactive, inclusive policymaking that keeps our communities safe.” The bill arrives as reported hate crimes have increased across the country. Federal statistics from the FBI and religious advocacy organizations indicate an increase in attacks on houses of worship.
