Faith Leaders Rally at State Capitol for Safer Communities Through Opportunity, Not Punishment

Dozens of clergy leaders, organizers, and community members recently gathered at the steps of the California State Capitol to demand a new vision of public safety—one rooted in opportunity, not punishment.

Standing shoulder to shoulder with PICO California, our sister federations, and other faith leaders across the state, we joined together to lift up support for the Safer Communities Through Opportunities Act (AB 1231).

This groundbreaking bill would have allowed judges to connect people charged with low-level felonies to community-based programs—like housing, job training, and mental health services—rather than defaulting to incarceration. It’s a simple but powerful idea: instead of writing people off, we invest in their restoration and in the well-being of our neighborhoods.

One of the most powerful voices at the rally came from right here in our community: Rev. William DeArmond of Hilliard AME Zion Church.

In his stirring remarks, Rev. DeArmond reminded us that, “Justice isn’t just locking people out, it’s helping people find their way back in.”

You can watch his full speech here:

His message captured exactly what this bill represents—a vision of justice that sees potential, not punishment.

A Setback, But Not the End

After the rally, momentum for AB 1231 carried into the final hours of the legislative session. Late that night, the bill passed the Senate floor with a close 21–16 vote. It was a hopeful moment—proof that Californians are ready for a safer, more compassionate approach to justice.

But the next day, during the concurrence vote, law enforcement lobbyists pressured several legislators to change course.

When the final votes were counted, AB 1231 fell short—34 in favor, 27 opposed, and 19 not voting.

It was a disappointing outcome. But this isn’t where the story ends. Every movement for justice has moments like this—where progress meets resistance, and the test becomes whether we’ll stay the course.

Why the Fight Continues

The truth is, our communities still need what AB 1231 stood for: second chances, housing, treatment, and pathways to real safety.

We can’t arrest our way to peace, and we can’t incarcerate our way to hope.

As people of faith, we know the moral arc of the universe bends toward justice—but only if we keep pulling. So we’ll continue organizing, sharing stories, and building power until California’s laws reflect what we know in our hearts: safety is built through opportunity, not punishment.

We’re grateful to everyone who prayed, rallied, and raised their voices in support of AB 1231. And we’re not done.

This movement will keep pushing until every person has the chance to rebuild, to contribute, and to come home.