The photo shows the moment the governor signed the bill into law.
Runta News-Seattle, Washington
Washington State Senators overwhelmingly passed this week a new bill that would safeguard halal foods from being falsely presented as halal in the food market. Governor Jay Inslee surrounded by some of the state officials and community advocates signed the SB 5799 into a law at his office in the State Capitol, Olympia, Washington.
according to a press release published on Washington State Senate Democrats, the bill will also extend standard consumer protections to include halal food products that have grown in demand as Muslim Washingtonians have grown in population. Violations will be subject to penalties under the new Halal Food Consumer Protection Act.
“Just as distinctive foods like kosher products must satisfy dietary guidelines set by traditional Jewish law, foods sold as halal should meet Islamic standards,” said Sen. Claire Wilson (D-Auburn), the sponsor of the new law. “As more and more of my constituents are practicing Muslims, I’m hearing more about the need to ensure that halal food is labeled truthfully.”
“One of the strengths of American life is that our communities are not static,” Wilson said. “New waves of immigrants bring new foods and levels of cultural awareness that constantly enrich our communities, and I’m glad to say that the 30th District has welcomed many new Muslim neighbors who have told me of the need for halal food integrity.”
Khalid Nazir and Amina Abdallah, campaigners and political activists expressed their joy after the bill was passed. “This moment marks a significant victory for the Muslim community in Washington state, securing their fundamental right to halal food. Thanks to the dedication of Senator Clair and Rep Chris Stearn, this achievement stands as a beacon of respect and honor. I urge the young generation of the Muslim community to engage in local politics and safeguard their future.” Said Nazir.
Amina Abdallah who is also a lobbyist at the State Capitol said, “I was excited to not only introduce Senator Clair Wilson to the Muslim Community in her district but to also know she would listen to the concerns brought forth by her community and help address them.” “I am honored to know the connection I made between Senator Wilson and the Muslim Community resulted in the halal bill.”, she added.
Kim Khan Van, Renton Council Member who was part of the conversation to safeguard the integrity of halal foods described the bill as a historic that demonstrated the power of community. She thanked Nadeem Ahmed and Khalid Nazir for their hard work and vision which produced this bill and to become a law.
An estimated 120 thousand Muslims live across Washington State majority of whom in Seattle area. Halal foods have become attractive to some food businesses and the need for the bill is driven partly by the higher prices charged for halal foods than for more familiar fare, providing an incentive for sellers to knowingly misrepresent foods as halal. Some of other co-sponsors and supporters of the bill are Yasmin Trudeau, the only Muslim Senator, Rep. Chris Stearn, and other colleagues including Sen. Bob Hasegawa.
