Georgia becomes first American state to pass resolution condemning Hinduphobia

The United States’ Georgia became the first American state to pass a resolution condemning Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu bigotry. The resolution was introduced by Representatives Lauren McDonald and Todd Jones from Forsyth county. It stated that Hinduism is one of the world’s largest and oldest religions with 1.2 billion adherents in over 100 countries. 

The religion encompasses an array of diverse traditions and belief systems with values of acceptance, mutual respect and peace, the resolution read.  “Hinduphobia, as described by the Understanding Hinduphobia Initiative, is a set of antagonistic, destructive, and derogatory attitudes and behaviours towards Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism) and Hindus that may manifest as prejudice, fear, or hatred,” it explained. 

McDonald and Jones said that the US has welcomed more than four million Hindus from all corners of the world and gave them better opportunities and the freedom to practice Hinduism, also known as “Sanatana Dharma”.  Terming the American Hindu community as a major contributor to sectors of medicine, science and engineering, information technology, hospitality, finance, academia, manufacturing, energy and retail trade, it said that the religion has enriched million lives. 

As per the resolution, yoga, ayurveda, meditation, food, music, and arts have painted American society’s cultural fabric. 

Citing Rutgers University’s “Anti-Hindu Disinformation: A Case Study of Hinduphobia on Social Media”, it noted that the report detailed how hate messages in social media translate into real-life threats for people of the Hindu faith.  It said that there have been documented instances of hate crimes against American Hindus over the last few decades across the country. 

The resolution declared Forsyth County as a place that welcomes the diversity brought by Hindu Americans and all those who work hard, follow laws, uphold family values, and contribute to the economic and social well-being.