California Senate adopts SCR 105 condemning rights abuses and calling for humanitarian protections in Gaza

The California State Senate adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 105 on Saturday after a prolonged, bipartisan floor debate that framed the measure as a call for human rights and humanitarian protection in Gaza. The resolution affirms California’s support for protection of civilians, condemns terrorism and collective punishment, calls for accountability under international law, urges safe return of hostages, and stresses protections against antisemitism, Islamophobia and other hate in California.

Senator Wahab, in introducing the resolution, said she rose “not as a representative of a caucus, religion, or identity, but simply as a human being compelled to speak for humanity.” Wahab cited casualty and displacement figures presented in her remarks and urged the chamber to “choose humanity” and demand safe humanitarian access, accountability, and the return of hostages.

Members across the political spectrum spoke in support of the resolution while emphasizing different emphases. Senator Wiener called the situation “a humanitarian catastrophe” and urged that the destruction and loss of civilian life stop. Senator Perez described local action he had taken previously as a mayor and labeled leaders responsible for starvation as criminal; he urged enforcement and accountability. Several members, including Senator Strickland and Senator Viadares, stressed Israel’s right to defend itself and warned against language that, in their view, might appear to place disproportionate blame; Strickland said the resolution was not balanced in assigning fault. Other senators, including Senator Rubio, Senator Cabaldon, Senator Limon and Senator Allen, urged that the resolution call clearly for humanitarian relief and an immediate cessation of civilian suffering.

Speakers representing diverse caucuses and communities deliberated at length on the resolution’s language. Multiple members emphasized protections back home in California for Jewish, Muslim, Arab, Israeli and Palestinian communities and warned against local hate incidents. Senator Wahab noted numerous iterations of text developed in consultation with members of the Legislative Jewish Caucus and others.

After more than two hours of floor debate during which many senators elaborated on the humanitarian dimensions and on local community concerns, the secretary called the roll. The resolution passed on a recorded vote: Ayes 35, Nos 0. The Senate adopted SCR 105 and transmitted it as appropriate.

The resolution is a non‑binding expression of legislative sentiment (a concurrent resolution). It does not change state law or direct state administrative action beyond statements of position and requests the legislature send the message the resolution contains. The measure reflects the Senate’s intent to publicly state a policy position on the humanitarian and human‑rights situation described in floor remarks. Additional companion or implementing measures were discussed but not adopted as part of this resolution.

Provenance: Debate and adoption occurred on Sept. 13, 2025; the first related transcript block begins at s=839.805 (Sen. Wahab remarks) and the final roll call appears at s=6475.86 (adoption announcement).