The California chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CA) today reiterated its opposition to AB 2664 as it advances through the state legislature, saying recent amendments fail to resolve concerns that the bill could restrict constitutionally protected speech and peaceful protest near houses of worship.
AB 2664 would create a 100-foot zone around entrances and exits of houses of worship. Within that area, the bill would prohibit someone from intentionally approaching within eight feet of a person seeking to enter or exit without consent to hand out literature, display a sign, or engage in oral protest or education.
The push for AB 2664 is part of a broader national campaign, driven by pro-Israel groups, to restrict pro-Palestinian political speech and peaceful protest outside houses of worship. Similar legislative efforts have been introduced in Congress and across several other states in response to peaceful demonstrations. In California, the bill is a direct political reaction to lawful protests at religious institutions that engage in political or commercial activities, such as hosting controversial political figures, rallying support for the genocide in Gaza, or facilitating the sale of stolen land in the occupied West Bank.
Recent amendments narrowed the scope of the bill in response to concerns raised by civil liberties advocates, but CAIR-CA maintains that it still goes beyond conduct involving threats, harassment, intimidation, or obstruction and risks the criminalization of peaceful leafleting, education, and protests in traditional public forums.
A first violation would be a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in county jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.
In a statement, CAIR-CA Legislative and Government Affairs Director Oussama Mokeddem said:
“Every Californian deserves to worship in safety and without fear of violence, intimidation, or harassment. California already has laws to address and prosecute dangerous conduct. Our concern is that AB 2664 goes further by creating a chilling effect on peaceful speech, education, and protest protected by the First Amendment.
“By enforcing an arbitrary buffer zone, the bill leaves peaceful advocates vulnerable to subjective and discretionary enforcement. When places of worship host real estate events selling illegally occupied land or platform controversial political figures, they cannot expect a special exemption from public accountability. This legislation is a transparent attempt to shield those secular, political activities from lawful public dissent. We are deeply concerned by the advancement of this bill and will continue to fight to ensure that protecting our communities does not come at the expense of our fundamental civil rights.”
CAIR-CA, along with civil liberties advocates including the ACLU, has continuously warned that the bill’s geographic restrictions and subjective language, such as “intentionally approach,” could open the door to selective enforcement against marginalized communities and civic activists.
Given these unresolved constitutional flaws, CAIR-CA strongly urges Governor Gavin Newsom to veto the bill when it reaches his desk. CAIR-CA supports strong protections for houses of worship against violence, threats, harassment, and obstruction while maintaining that those protections should not come at the expense of peaceful civic engagement or the First Amendment rights of Californians.
CAIR-CA is a chapter of CAIR, America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
CONTACT: CAIR Greater Los Angeles Area Communications Manager EnjyEl-Kadi, (714) 851-4851 or [email protected]; CAIR Sacramento Valley/Central California Senior Operations & Development Manager Elle Dunlap, [email protected]; CAIR San Diego Executive Director Tazheen Nizam, (760) 201-7626, [email protected]; CAIR San Francisco Bay Area Communications Manager Lorrie Adam, (408) 498-5779 or [email protected]