A bill to protect religious practices of incarcerated individuals

Shaykh Rami Nsour has seen firsthand how difficult it can be for those being held in jails and prisons to practice their faith. 

On February 6th, 2023, Shaykh Rami joined California lawmakers and multifaith leaders as they unveiled legislation that would create a statewide policy for religious clothing, headwear and grooming practices at state and local correctional and detention facilities.

He has witnessed the difficulties individuals face when they are transferred from one facility to another, saying that they have to adhere to different rules governing religious clothing and grooming.

The bill, written by Sen. Dave Cortese, a San Jose Democrat, aims to “stop incidents of religious persecution in prison,” the senator said. 

Also in attendance was Nazeehah Khan, with the California chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). She said that the organization has represented numerous Muslim women who have been stripped of their hijab while incarcerated or in custody

“Religious headwear, clothing and grooming are not just acts of religious expression. They’re the manifestation of a person’s identity, an embodiment of their values,” said Khan. 

The bill, Shaykh Rami said,

“is about reminding us who we are as Americans — that every single person on this land, whether in prison or not, has the right to freely practice the religion of their choice.”

Read more about the bill, here.

Read more about the bill from Al Jazeera, here.