California Senate adopts resolution calling for protection of civilians, accountability in Gaza after extended floor debate

The California State Senate adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 105 on Sept. 13 after extended floor debate in which senators emphasized humanitarian concerns for civilians in Gaza and the need for accountability for terrorism and attacks on civilians. Senator Aisha Wahab (D-Hayward), the resolution’s author, told the chamber she rose “as a human being” to call for protection of civilians, accountability under international law and the safe return of hostages. She asked her colleagues to support what she called a bipartisan, human-rights-centered statement.

Supporters described the resolution as an affirmation that California stands for human dignity for all civilians. Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) and others said the text condemns terrorism, calls for humanitarian aid, and rejects all forms of hate arising in California in response to the conflict. Multiple members of the Jewish, Black, Latino and other caucuses spoke in favor, saying the measure was aimed at protecting civilians and communities at home and abroad and called for the resolution’s passage.

Opponents and some senators who declined to vote raised…