ADVERTISEMENTs
Sikh advocacy groups decry Newsom’s Veto of SB 509
They argue it weakens efforts to protect communities from foreign government-backed intimidation and transnational repression.
-
1749497506.png)
Malvika Choudhary - Tue, 14, Oct 2025
- 13:04 EDT
- 32
Governor Gavin Newsom/ SALDEF/ Sikh Coalition / National Governors Association/ SALDEF/ Sikh Coalition
Sikh American advocacy groups voiced profound disappointment following California Governor Gavin Newsom’s veto of Senate Bill 509, legislation designed to address transnational repression through mandatory law enforcement training and policy reforms.
In its statement titled “Vetoed but Not Silenced,” the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) said the governor’s decision “is a setback for the safety and security of all Californians.”
Also read: Newsom vetoes SB 509 after Indian American groups raise concerns
The organization maintained that SB 509 would have closed a crucial protection gap for communities subject to intimidation or harassment by foreign actors.
Kiran Kaur Gill, executive director of SALDEF, emphasized the broad community backing behind the measure. “At a time when foreign governments seek to intimidate and silence their critics on American soil, this legislation would have equipped law enforcement with the tools and training needed to protect all residents,” she said.
“The outpouring of support we witnessed from community members who took time away from work and family to testify, to the countless individuals who contacted their representatives, demonstrates that Californians understand what’s at stake,” she added.
Gill added that the coalition of Sikh Americans, civil rights advocates, and interfaith allies recognized that transnational repression “is not just a Sikh issue, but a threat to all Californians and to the fundamental values of safety and freedom that define our state.”
SALDEF affirmed that although the veto is disappointing, it “fuels our determination” to press for legislation that protects free expression, religious practice, and civil liberties without fear.
The Sikh Coalition also voiced disappointment, calling the veto a “setback, not a defeat.” In a video statement, senior state policy manager Puneet Kaur said, “While the bill may not have passed, our Sangat’s strength is undeniable. You filled the state capital, you mobilized Gurdwaras, and you made your voices heard.”
Kaur said the coalition has reached out to the California Office of Emergency Services to review the training program the governor cited as aligning with SB 509’s goals.
WATCH: “While the bill may not have passed, our Sangat’s strength is undeniable."
— Sikh Coalition (@sikh_coalition) October 14, 2025
Our Senior State Policy Manager discusses today’s veto of SB 509 by California governor Gavin Newsom, and the Sikh Coalitions next steps to combat transnational repression pic.twitter.com/6zwOACMxv5
“We have not yet had the chance to review this training, but we are already in touch with the Department of Emergency Services to better understand the training’s content and plan for implementation,” she said.
She also condemned what she termed “fear-mongering and misinformation” by some opponents who, she contended, “lied about SB 509” and “belittled the violence our community has experienced.” Kaur pledged that despite the veto, the Sikh Coalition and its allies will continue to push for protections through legislation and other means of governmental engagement.
Governor Newsom, in his veto message, said codifying definitions of “transnational repression” in state law could limit flexibility to adapt to evolving federal guidance, noting that the California Office of Emergency Services has already developed a training aligned with the intent of SB 509.
The bill, introduced by Senator Anna Caballero and co-sponsored by Assembly Members Dr. Jasmeet Bains and Esmeralda Soria, passed the state legislature with bipartisan support. It would have required statewide law enforcement training on identifying and countering foreign government-backed intimidation by 2027.
Related
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
E Paper
ADVERTISEMENT
Video
Comments
Start the conversation
Become a member of New India Abroad to start commenting.
Sign Up Now
Already have an account? Login