The VAIB has been working the Delegate Singh on his bill HB2594 and are in favor and appreciative of the changes he has made and are in support of this bill.

On behalf of the Sikh American community, a community that has faced numerous threats to our houses of worship, including the 2012 mass shooting at the Sikh temple in Oak Creek, WI, which left six members of our congregation dead, we understand the importance of securing our houses of worship. The Sikh American community has worked closely with law enforcement and security officers and we have seen firsthand that the greater understanding they have about our traditions, services and activities, the better prepared they are to respond to any crisis that occurs on the premises. We strongly endorse this bill and believe it will increase the safety of all religious communities as well as effectiveness of those charged with keeping houses of worship safe.