San Francisco Mayor Signs 1st Preemptive Law Against Proposed Muslim Database
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) -- San Francisco has become the first U.S. city to prohibit participation in any proposed Muslim database.
Mayor Ed Lee signed a first-of-its-kind law to stop special registries based on religion and national origin. It's called the Non-Cooperation With Identity-Based Registry Ordinance.
"Basically we're saying, 'no registry,'" said Mayor Lee.
President Donald Trump has previously endorsed a Muslim registry, although United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley told lawmakers during her confirmation hearing the Trump administration does not believe there should be any registry based on religion.
Tuesday morning, he stood with city leaders and human rights champions to sign the ordinance passed last February.
The legislation would prohibit city agencies from helping in any government program that requires a database or registration program based on religion, ethnicity or national origin.
"This signing today reaffirms our sanctuary city," he told the crowd. "Despite what's happening nationally, we'll continue the fight against discrimination and anti-immigrant sentiments."
He says the city will continue to fight any federal moves toward a border wall, a travel ban, or random ID checks.
The ordinance also gives individuals and nonprofits the right to sue if a city agency or employee violates it.
