R N Goyal Toronto (Canada) The Legislative Assembly of Georgia State of America has passed a resolution condemning Hinduphobia on March 27, 2023 making it the first American State to take such a legislative measure. The resolution was sponsored by Republican Party and was introduced by McDonald and Jones, from Forsyth County in the suburbs of Atlanta, home to one of the largest Indian-American diaspora community.
The resolution condemns “Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu bigotry” describing Hinduphobia as “a set of antagonistic, destructive, and derogatory attitudes and behaviors towards Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism) and Hindus that may manifest as prejudice, fear, or hatred”.
It says that “Hinduism is one the world’s largest and oldest religions with over 1.2 billion 3 adherents in over 100 countries and which encompasses an array of diverse traditions and 4 belief systems with values of acceptance, mutual respect, and peace”. It adds that the United States “has welcomed more than four million Hindus”.
It also acknowledges many contributions of the American Hindu community, in a wide variety of fields, from medicine to “Yoga, Ayurveda, meditation, food, music, arts”, among others.
The resolution then claims that “there have been documented instances of hate crimes against Hindu Americans over the last few decades in many parts of the country”, citing a 2022 report by Rutgers University. It argues that “Hinduphobia is exacerbated and institutionalized by some in academia who support the dismantling of Hinduism and accuse its sacred texts and cultural practices of violence and oppression”.
The legislation ends by saying “THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the representatives of Forsyth County in the Georgia State Legislature condemn Hinduphobia, anti-Hindu bigotry, and intolerance and declares Forsyth County as a place that welcomes the diversity brought by Hindu Americans and all those who work hard, follow our laws, uphold family values, and contribute to our economic and social well-being”.
Congratulations to all the Hindus.
