Atlanta, GA — In a pioneering legislative move, Georgia has formally introduced Senate Bill 375, aiming to recognize Hindu phobia within the state's anti-discrimination framework. Introduced on April 4, 2025, this bipartisan effort seeks to address the growing concerns of anti-Hindu sentiment and provide legal recourse for affected communities.
Key Facts
-
Bill Introduction Date: April 4, 2025
-
Definition: Hinduphobia is characterized as "antagonistic, destructive, and derogatory attitudes and behaviors towards Hinduism"
-
Sponsors: Senators Shawn Still (R), Clint Dixon (R), Jason Esteves (D), and Emanuel Jones (D)
The bill mandates that state and local agencies consider Hinduphobia when enforcing anti-discrimination laws. It also allows for its consideration in criminal cases where bias may have influenced the offense. Importantly, the legislation includes provisions to protect First Amendment rights, ensuring that freedom of speech and religious expression remain unaffected.
Community organizations have lauded the bill's introduction. The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) expressed gratitude towards the sponsoring senators, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and addressing Hinduphobia in legal statutes.
This legislative initiative builds upon Georgia's 2023 resolution condemning Hinduphobia, marking a continued commitment to protecting religious minorities. With over 40,000 Hindus residing in Georgia, primarily around Atlanta, the bill reflects the state's recognition of its diverse population and the need for inclusive protections.
IMPORTANT UPDATE: The State of Georgia has introduced SB 375, which formally updates the state's penal code to recognize Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu prejudice, and enables law enforcement and other agencies to consider Hinduphobia while cataloging such discrimination and taking… pic.twitter.com/0TKGgtGb8x
— CoHNA (Coalition of Hindus of North America) (@CoHNAOfficial) April 10, 2025
As the bill progresses through the legislative process, it has the potential to set a precedent for other states to follow, highlighting the importance of addressing specific forms of discrimination in a comprehensive manner.
Do You Know? According to the Pew Research Center's 2023–24 Religious Landscape Study, Hindus make up approximately 0.9% of the U.S. population, translating to about 2.5 million individuals nationwide.
Key Terms
-
Hinduphobia: Hostility or prejudice against Hinduism and Hindus, manifesting in discriminatory attitudes or actions.
-
Senate Bill 375: A proposed Georgia state law aiming to include Hinduphobia in anti-discrimination statutes.
-
First Amendment: Part of the U.S. Constitution that guarantees freedoms concerning religion, expression, assembly, and the right to petition.
-
Bipartisan: Involving cooperation and agreement between two major political parties.