Minnesota Lawmakers Introduce Resolution Condemning Hinduphobia and Anti-Hindu Bigotry
WASHINGTON — Minnesota lawmakers on Monday introduced a resolution condemning Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu bigotry, marking a push to formally recognize discrimination faced by Hindu communities and reaffirm the state’s commitment to religious freedom and inclusion.
The proposal, introduced in the Minnesota Senate, calls for the recognition of anti-Hindu bias and urges support for mutual respect, pluralism and the protection of Hindu Americans in the state.
The Coalition of Hindus of North America welcomed the move, saying the resolution followed advocacy efforts by community members and local volunteers to draw attention to discrimination and attacks targeting Hindus in the United States.
In a statement posted online, the organization said: “Minnesota has introduced a historic resolution condemning Hinduphobia and “anti-Hindu” bigotry.”
The group said the measure underscores the need to acknowledge and address anti-Hindu bias affecting Hindu Americans in Minnesota and across the country. “The resolution highlights the need to recognise and address “anti-Hindu” bias and discrimination faced by Hindu Americans in Minnesota and across the country,” the organization said.
Lawmakers behind the proposal said the resolution reflects Minnesota’s longstanding commitment to religious liberty and pluralism. The measure points to protections under the U.S. Constitution and the Minnesota Human Rights Act, saying the state has a history of defending religious freedom and the dignity of all individuals.
The resolution also highlights the scale and diversity of the Hindu community. It states that “Hinduism, also known as Sanatana Dharma, is one of the world’s oldest and largest religions, with more than 1.2 billion adherents globally and a diverse and growing community of over four million in the United States”.
It also recognizes the contributions of Hindu Americans across a wide range of fields, including yoga, ayurveda, meditation, medicine, science and engineering, information technology, hospitality, finance, academia, manufacturing, energy and retail trade.
At the same time, the proposal raises concern over attacks on Hindu places of worship, saying hate-based vandalism against mandirs is increasing nationally. It also cites incidents in Minnesota in which temples have faced vandalism and hate speech, which lawmakers describe as part of a broader pattern of Hinduphobia.
If adopted, the resolution would formally declare that the Minnesota Legislature “unequivocally condemns Hinduphobia, anti-Hindu bigotry, and all forms of religious intolerance”. It would also affirm that Minnesota “welcomes the diversity and contributions of its Hindu-American residents and is committed to protecting their right to worship in safety and peace”.
The measure further calls on state and local agencies, including schools and law enforcement, to improve understanding of Hinduphobia and include Hindu communities in diversity initiatives, anti-bias training and interfaith dialogue.
CoHNA said it plans to continue working with lawmakers and community partners to advance the resolution. “We look forward to working with the community and our allies to secure passage of this important resolution,” it said. (Source: IANS)
