A civil rights and advocacy organization has lent its backing to a new Bill filed in the Georgia State Senate, which seeks to officially declare Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu hate in the state's criminal code. This is a historic step, as it is the first time any U.S. state has done this kind of legislation.
The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) welcomed the introduction of Senate Bill 375 in Georgia, terming it a "historic move" to legislatively recognize Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu bigotry in the state's legal framework. In its view, the "landmark legislation" will give a fillip to law enforcement and state agencies to monitor and tackle bias and discrimination cases against Hindus and pave the way for other states.
Rajeev Menon, Co-founder and Vice President of CoHNA, welcomed the Bill as a "pivotal moment" for Hindus in Georgia and throughout the United States. He highlighted that the law is both a rebuttal to the increase in anti-Hindu hate and a firm affirmation that the Hindu community is part of society and deserves equal protection under the law.
CoHNA recognized that the successful passage of the Bill was facilitated by the work of the Hindus of Georgia PAC, whose lobbying and grassroots efforts were instrumental in moving the cause forward. The coalition collaborated closely with Senator Shawn Still, whose leadership was key to moving the bill forward.
Shobha Swamy, a member of the board of Hindus of Georgia PAC, commended Senator Still for his consistent support of the Hindu community. "His commitment to combating Hinduphobia has been a source of hope for us," she added.
On April 4, Senator Still sponsored SB 375 in the Georgia State Senate, with Senators Emanuel Jones, Jason Esteves, and Clint Dixon. The Bill's bipartisan support by Republican and Democratic legislators alike demonstrates an acknowledged common interest in protecting the rights and liberties of all Americans, including those of Hindu faith.
In a video posted on X, Senator Still defined Senate Bill 375 as one of a kind, which could be a national precedent. The Bill includes Hinduphobia in the definition of hate crimes in Georgia's criminal code, which would make crimes against Hindus committed because of their religion have increased penalties. Still emphasized the need to fight such hatred, citing violence perpetrated against Hindus in Bangladesh as a sober reminder that such acts of crime would not be accepted.
In recent years, Still reported a disturbing increase in anti-Hindu activity throughout the nation, pointing to such incidents as vandalism of Hindu temples in California and New York states. He was shocked that acts of intolerance like these were taking place, given that the ability to practice one's religion is an American founding principle.
Though the current session of the legislature in Georgia has come to an end, Still was confident that the Bill would be taken up again when the session resumed in January. He was hopeful that the Senate Judiciary Committee, which he belongs to, would thoroughly consider the Bill. He urged all citizens to come together to make Georgia a hate-free state in terms of religion, where religious freedoms are maintained, and Hinduphobia is eliminated.
The introduction of SB 375 draws on Georgia's historic move in April 2023, when it became the first state to enact County House Resolution HR 701, which denounced Hinduphobia and honored the achievements of Hindus to the state's civic, cultural, and economic life. With SB 375, Georgia again sets the pace nationally in responding to the challenges of Hindu Americans, establishing a model for faith-based inclusive civil rights protections.
CoHNA and other partners are appealing to all stakeholders in the Hindu American community to support the Bill, which is aimed at strengthening their rights as well as practicing religious tolerance.
CoHNA is an advocacy and civil rights group operating at the grass roots level committed to enhancing the public perception of Hinduism within North America. It engages issues that impact the Hindu community alongside educating the general public on Hindu heritage and culture.
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