Georgia has taken a historical step towards combating discrimination against Hindus, becoming the first US state to formally introduce legislation to recognise Hinduphobia .
The landmark legislation -- Senate Bill 375 -- was introduced by a group of Georgia state senators, and is aimed at recognising and addressing Hinduphobia within the state’s legal and regulatory framework.
The bill, by "Senators Still of the 48th, Jones of the 10th, Esteves of the 35th and Dixon of the 45th", seeks to include Hinduphobia under laws that prohibit discrimination based on race, colour, religion, or national origin.
If passed, the legislation would require state agencies and local authorities to factor in a defined understanding of Hinduphobia: described as a “set of antagonistic, destructive, and derogatory attitudes and behaviors towards Hinduism," when enforcing anti-discrimination laws .
The bill also allows consideration of Hinduphobia in criminal proceedings.
Prosecutors could use the definition when deciding whether hate crime penalty enhancements under existing state law are warranted.
Senate Bill 375 includes provisions to ensure that it does not infringe upon free speech rights. Specifically, the bill clarifies that it does not restrict individuals from engaging in legally protected speech, including expressions related to US foreign policy or international affairs. Additionally, it affirms that the legislation does not conflict with existing federal, state, or local discrimination laws. These safeguards are designed to uphold constitutional rights while addressing concerns related to Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu discrimination.
If any part of the bill is found unconstitutional, the entire law would be automatically repealed. This clause ensures that the legislation is enacted as a whole and not in parts.
Senate Bill 375 will become law if the governor signs it or "or upon its becoming law without such approval."
The landmark legislation -- Senate Bill 375 -- was introduced by a group of Georgia state senators, and is aimed at recognising and addressing Hinduphobia within the state’s legal and regulatory framework.
The bill, by "Senators Still of the 48th, Jones of the 10th, Esteves of the 35th and Dixon of the 45th", seeks to include Hinduphobia under laws that prohibit discrimination based on race, colour, religion, or national origin.
If passed, the legislation would require state agencies and local authorities to factor in a defined understanding of Hinduphobia: described as a “set of antagonistic, destructive, and derogatory attitudes and behaviors towards Hinduism," when enforcing anti-discrimination laws .
The bill also allows consideration of Hinduphobia in criminal proceedings.
Prosecutors could use the definition when deciding whether hate crime penalty enhancements under existing state law are warranted.
Senate Bill 375 includes provisions to ensure that it does not infringe upon free speech rights. Specifically, the bill clarifies that it does not restrict individuals from engaging in legally protected speech, including expressions related to US foreign policy or international affairs. Additionally, it affirms that the legislation does not conflict with existing federal, state, or local discrimination laws. These safeguards are designed to uphold constitutional rights while addressing concerns related to Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu discrimination.
If any part of the bill is found unconstitutional, the entire law would be automatically repealed. This clause ensures that the legislation is enacted as a whole and not in parts.
Senate Bill 375 will become law if the governor signs it or "or upon its becoming law without such approval."
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