VOIWORLD/NEW YORK
In a step to combat rising discrimination against Hindus, Georgia has formally introduced legislation to recognise Hinduphobia.
Georgia has introduced Senate Bill 375, landmark legislation to formally recognize Hinduphobia and combat discrimination against Hindus. The bill defines Hinduphobia as antagonistic attitudes towards Hinduism and seeks to include it under existing anti-discrimination laws. It allows consideration of Hinduphobia in criminal proceedings while protecting free speech rights and existing anti-discrimination laws.
The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA), an advocacy group, welcomed the move and said history will be created if the bill is passed in future.
https://x.com/CoHNAOfficial/status/1910392233129365780
The landmark legislation, Senate Bill 375, was introduced Shawn Micah Tresher Still, Emanuel Davie Jones, Jason Esteves and Clint Dixon.The bill also allows consideration of Hinduphobia in criminal proceedings.
If the bill becomes law, the penal code in Georgia will be updated and consequently enable law enforcement agencies to consider Hinduphobia and take appropriate action, reported Wion News.
The introduction of the bill became significant since Indian-origin lawmakers have been voicing concerns over a rise in Hindu-hatred cases in the country.
The bill, SB 375, dated April 4, was introduced in the Georgia General Assembly, the state legislature, and its sponsors include both Democrats and Republicans, reported Wion.
The four sponsors of the bill are Georgia State Senate members Shawn Still and Clint Dixon, both Republicans, and Democrats Jason Esteves and Emanuel Jones.
