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Hindu Americans hail California Governor vetoing SB-403
The community also honored late Milind Makwana, a prominent community leader who fiercely advocated against SB403
Representative Image / Unsplash
The Hindu American community welcomed California Governor, Gavin Newsom’s decision to veto the controversial bill, SB403, which aimed to introduce caste as a protected category under the state’s civil laws. The Governor in his decision termed the bill “unnecessary” and stated that caste discrimination is already prohibited under the current laws.
Lauding the significant decision, Parents of Hindu children in California said, “With this development, our children can look forward to a future where they are not subject to undue stereotyping and profiling based on perceptions. This ensures they can practice their faith peacefully, with pride, and without the looming shadows of colonial-era stereotypes and prejudice.”
Ambedkar-Phule Network of American Dalits and Bahujans appreciated Newsom for understanding the finer details of the bill and how it impacts the South Asian community. On the occasion, Vaishali V, president of the organization remembered the advocacy of a late member of the organization, Milind Makwana, who passed away earlier this year while campaigning against SB403.
“While we welcome the veto, we know that nothing can bring back the life of our leader Milind Makwana who was the voice marginalized and at the forefront of the struggle against SB-403. Nothing can heal the loss and the trauma that this bill has caused to the families of the marginalized communities,” she asserted.
Prominent community leader, Ajay Bhutoria, who had briefed the Governor on the adverse effects of the bill before his decision, expressed gratitude to Governor Newsom for vetoing SB403. “I am truly grateful to Governor Newsom for taking the time to consider the concerns we raised regarding the SB403 Caste Bill. This legislation was undeniably redundant and unnecessary, and I am pleased that our discussions in Chicago bore fruit. The veto of this bill is a testament to the power of constructive dialogue and collaboration,” he maintained.
A4H, as a non-partisan independent Political Action Committee, which desrcribed the bill as “not facially neutral” appreciated the “countless hours policymakers and lawmakers dedicated to understanding our constituents’ principled opposition” to SB403.
Along with welcoming the veto, Utsav Chakrabarti, executive director of HinduACTion also emphasized that Hindu community organizations must continue to work together to fight efforts to bring laws like SB403 in other states and within California's University system.
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