New Delhi: In a historic move, Georgia became the first state in the United States of America to introduce a bill to formally recognise Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu discrimination.
If it becomes law, Georgia’s penal code will be amended to define Hinduphobia explicitly and instruct law enforcement agencies to take appropriate action in hate crimes against Hindus in the US.
The bill had the backing of Republicans as well as Democrats.
Senate Bill 375, dated April 4, proposes adding a provision in the Georgia code that defines ‘Hinduphobia’ as a “set of antagonistic, destructive, and derogatory attitudes and behaviours towards Hinduism.”
It is meant to give state and local enforcement agencies the right to factor Hinduphobia into the implementation of existing anti-discrimination laws.
“Georgia becomes the first state to introduce such a bill, and if passed, will make history once again,” the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) said in a statement.
“We are proud to work closely with Senator Shawn Still on this important bill and thank him along with Senator Emanuel Jones, Senator Jason Esteves, and Senator Clint Dixon for supporting the needs of the Hindu community in Georgia and the United States.”
Georgia had passed a resolution in April 2023, condemning Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu bigotry. It acknowledged Hinduism as one of the world’s oldest religions, with over 1.2 billion adherents across more than 100 countries.
Roughly 3.35 million Hindus reside in the US, making up about 1 per cent of the population. Georgia state is home to around 40,000 Hindus.
