SALDEF Secures Passage of Virginia’s House of Worship Safety Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. — SALDEF (Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund) congratulates Virginia House Delegate JJ Singh on the successful passage of HB 2594, a groundbreaking piece of legislation aimed at developing best practices to keep houses of worship safe from hate crimes. This critical bill, now headed to Governor Youngkin’s desk for signature, is an important step in protecting communities of faith across the Commonwealth, including Sikh gurdwaras, from rising threats and acts of hate. Through dedicated advocacy, SALDEF not only championed this essential measure but also played a key role in rallying support from a diverse coalition of groups committed to protecting places of worship. This victory marks a critical step forward in enhancing the safety and security of places of worship across Virginia.

As the first turbaned Sikh elected to any state legislature in the United States, Delegate Singh’s leadership has already made history. Through this bill, he continues to demonstrate his commitment to ensuring that places of worship—spaces meant for prayer, community gathering, and peace—are protected and respected. By uniting various communities and organizations, SALDEF helped secure broad backing for the bill, ensuring that the voices and concerns of the Sikh community were central in the fight against rising threats and acts of hate. 

“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.”

“I’m grateful to SALDEF for providing insights and support in getting this legislation to the Governor’s desk,” said Delegate JJ Singh (VA-26). “This bill is an important step in keeping Virginia’s religious communities safe and ensuring our houses of worship remain places of peace and sanctuary.”

The House of Worship Safety Bill establishes best practices for safeguarding religious institutions, including security planning, emergency preparedness, and strategies to prevent and respond to hate crimes targeting faith communities.

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