In the pioneering step, Georgia became the first in the United States to introduce legislation aimed at formally recognizing hinduphobia and anti-homemu discrimination. This historical bill, Senate Bill 375, represents an important step towards solving growing cases of Hindu hatred in the country.
Legislation, supported by Republican and Democratic Senators, seeks to update Georgia’s Criminal Code to expressly define hinduphobia and seize coercive authorities to take the relevant steps against hate crimes.
Background and meaning
The introduction of this law comes on the heels of a significant increase in crimes of hate against Hindes in the United States. Indian-Origin legislators were loud about the need for such legislation and emphasized the importance of protecting the rights of the Hindu community.
In 2023, Georgia determined the precedent by becoming the first state to undergo a resolution of the region condemning hinduphobia and demonstrating its obligation to deal with anti-homeidal discrimination.
Key provisions of the Senate Act 375
The bill 375 of the Senate is designed to integrate hinduphobia into existing anti -discrimination laws, ensuring that state and local coercive agencies are considering this form of prejudices in promoting racial, color, religion or national origin.
The bill defines hinduphobia as “a set of antagonistic, destructive and derogatory attitudes and behavior towards Hinduism”.
This definition will lead to the enforcement of the right to identify and solve the crimes of hate against the Hindes, which will allow prosecutors to consider hinduphobia to determine whether to improve hate punishment.
Warranty and constitutional protection
In order to ensure that legislation does not violate constitutional rights, the Senate Act 375 includes the provisions on the protection of freedom of expression. It explains that the bill does not limit individuals in involvement in legally protected expression, including manifestations related to US foreign policy or international affairs.
In addition, it confirms that legislation is not contrary to existing federal, state or local discriminatory laws.
If any part of the bill is found unconstitutional, the whole law would be automatically abolished, ensuring that it is enacted as a whole and not in parts.
Support and consequences
The Hindu coalition in North America (COHNA) expressed the support of the bill and appreciated the Bipartisan efforts of Senators Shawn Still, Clint Dixon, Jason Esteves and Emanuel D. Jones.
The passage of this bill would not only make Georgia the first state to formally address hinduphobia, but also set a precedent for other states. It emphasizes the growing recognition of the need to protect the minority community from hate crimes and discrimination.
(Tagstotranslate) Hinduphobbia
