Title
An Ordinance Amending Section 12.74.030 of the Sacramento City Code, Relating to the Public’s Right to Use City Hall Facility-Restrictions [In Lieu of Pass for Publication Ordinance to be Published in its Entirety]
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FileID
File ID: 2026-00676
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Location
Location: Citywide
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Recommendation
Recommendation: 1) Pass a Motion waiving the requirement for pass for publication of the ordinance title, pursuant to Sacramento City Charter Section 32(c); and 2) adopt an Ordinance amending Sacramento City Code Section 12.74.030, relating to the Public’s Right to Use the City Hall Facility.
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Contact
Contact: Katie Hanzlik, Chief of Staff, (916) 808-7234, khanzlik@cityofsacramento.org, Office of Council Member Caity Maple
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Presenter
Presenter: Council Member Caity Maple, (916) 808-7005, cmaple@cityofsacramento.org, District 5
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Attachments
Attachments:
1-Description/Analysis
2-Ordinance (Redline)
3-Ordinance (Clean)
4-Fresno Letter of Support
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Description/Analysis
IssueDetail
Issue Detail: This proposal would allow individuals carrying a bona fide religious article of faith (such as a Sikh kirpan) to enter the City Hall Facility, if (1) the item is secured in a protective sheath; and (2) the length of the entire article does not exceed 10 inches.
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PolicyConsiderations
Policy Considerations: Khalsa Sikhs-members of the Sikh faith who have undergone formal initiation-are religiously obligated to observe the “Five Ks,” five articles of faith that reflect their spiritual discipline and commitment to Sikh tenets. One of these sacred articles is the Kirpan, a ceremonial blade symbolizing the duty to uphold justice and protect the vulnerable. The Kirpan is not a weapon in the conventional sense, but a religious article that must be worn sheathed, secured, and close to the body in accordance with established religious practice.
Under the City’s current weapons screening protocols, including the use of metal detectors at City Council meetings, individuals wearing a Kirpan are prohibited from entering Council Chambers. As a result, observant Sikhs have previously been denied access to public meetings based solely on their compliance with a bona fide religious obligation. Members of the Sikh community have expressed that this exclusion constitutes a substantial burden on their civil rights and limits their meaningful participation in civic proceedings. Accordingly, staff recommends amending the City Code to provide a narrowly tailored religious accommodation permitting the wearing of a Kirpan in Council Chambers under defined safety parameters. We further recommend that the City Manager evaluate and adopt a consistent administrative policy extending these protections across City facilities to ensure uniform respect for constitutionally protected religious exercise.
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EconomicImpacts
Economic Impacts: None.
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EnvironmentalConsiderations
Environmental Considerations: This report concerns administrative activities that do not constitute a “project” as defined by section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines and is otherwise exempt pursuant to sections 15061(b)(3); 15378(b)(2).
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Sustainability
Sustainability: Not applicable.
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Commission/Committee Action
Commission/Committee Action: Not applicable.
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RationaleforRecommendation
Rationale for Recommendation: The recommendation in this report furthers a limited legitimate religious accommodation while preserving the City’s authority to regulate conduct and maintain decorum and safety, advances constitutional protections, reduces litigation risk, and demonstrates the City’s commitment to religious neutrality and equal access to public forums.
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FinancialConsiderations
Financial Considerations: The potential impact of the adoption of these policies and programs is not yet quantified but it’s unlikely to result in any costs to the City.
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LocalBusinessEnterprise
Local Business Enterprise (LBE): Not applicable.
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