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Virginia passes JJ Singh's bill to protect places of worship
The legislation establishes best practices for safeguarding houses of worship.
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Malvika Choudhary - Thu, 03, Apr 2025
- 16:16 EDT
- 252
JJ Singh / X
In a significant development, the Virginia General Assembly and Governor have approved Delegate JJ Singh’s legislation aimed at protecting religious institutions in the state.
The House of Worship bill (HB 2594), which is set to become law on July 1, establishes best practices for safeguarding houses of worship to prevent and respond to hate crimes..
Also Read: Gov.Youngkin signs two bills by JJ Singh into law
“This is a critical step forward to keeping our communities safe from hate crimes and ensuring every Virginian can practice their faith without fear,” Singh, the first turbaned Sikh elected to any state legislature in the United States, stated on X.
He emphasized the bipartisan effort behind the bill, noting that it received approval from the House of Delegates, the Senate, and Governor Glenn Youngkin.
Our House of Worship security legislation is now law.
— Delegate JJ Singh (@SinghforVA) April 3, 2025
This is a critical step forward to keeping our communities safe from hate crimes and ensure every Virginian can practice their faith without fear. pic.twitter.com/Odhd8YN8YP
HB 2594 comes at a time of increasing concern over targeted acts of hate against religious institutions. Advocacy groups, including the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), played a critical role in securing broad-based support for the bill, working alongside legislators and faith communities to address rising threats.
“This bill is a direct response to the concerns voiced by Sikh Americans and other religious communities who, far too often, find themselves targets of hate and intimidation,” said Kiran Kaur Gill, executive director of SALDEF. “We commend Delegate Singh for his leadership and foresight in addressing these urgent safety needs, and we are proud to have supported this effort to protect not just gurdwaras, but all houses of worship across Virginia. This is the kind of proactive, inclusive policymaking that keeps our communities safe.”
The bill reinforces protections for places of worship, ensuring they remain spaces for prayer, community gathering, and peace. By providing structured guidance including security planning and emergency preparedness it aims to empower religious leaders and community members with tools to proactively enhance safety while upholding religious freedom.
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