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Ohio Senate hearing on resolution condemning 'Hinduphobia'
The resolution specifically condemns efforts to introduce laws or policies that “target, racially profile, and discriminate against Hindu Americans”.
Senator Niraj Antani / X/@NirajAntani
The Ohio State Senate conducted its first hearing on Senate Concurrent Resolution 6 (SCR6), introduced by Senator Niraj Antani, in the General Government Committee to formally condemn 'Hinduphobia' and ‘anti-Hindu bigotry’. The resolution stresses the need for inclusivity and respect for Ohio’s Hindu American community.
Described as a historic move, SCR6 highlights various instances of anti-Hindu hate crimes and systemic challenges faced by Hindu Americans. It specifically condemns efforts to introduce laws or policies that “target, racially profile, and discriminate against Hindu Americans”.
The Bill recognizes Ohio’s significant Hindu American population, noting their contributions through religious, cultural, and community efforts. “Ohio is home to a significant Hindu American population and dozens of Hindu temples, religious centers, and cultural centers throughout the state,” the resolution states.
The resolution also provides a detailed account of Hinduism’s global and historical significance, describing it as one of the oldest religions in the world with billion-plus adherents. Hindu Americans in Ohio come from diverse ethnic backgrounds, including Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Nepali, and Caribbean descent.
Acknowledges the challenges faced by the community, citing bullying, discrimination, hate speech, and bias-motivated crimes, it references reports from the FBI, Rutgers University, and the Hindu American Foundation to document the rise in hate crimes and social media disinformation campaigns targeting Hindus.
One such report, released by Rutgers in 2022, noted how online hate translates to real-world violence. The resolution mentions incidents such as vandalism at a Hindu temple in New York and assaults against Hindu individuals, including a man mocked for his vegetarian diet in California.
“Attempts to dismantle Hinduism and misinterpret its sacred symbols, such as the swastika, have led to frequent harassment of the Hindu American community,” the resolution points out. It adds that one-third of Hindu American students reported being bullied for their religious beliefs, according to a 2015 study by the Hindu American Foundation.
The resolution seeks to declare Ohio as a state welcoming to Hindu Americans, condemning 'Hinduphobia' and promoting the values of acceptance, mutual respect, and peace. The bill concludes by urging lawmakers to address bias against Hindu Americans and to ensure their inclusion and safety.
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