US: Georgia Legislature Passes First-Ever County Resolution Condemning Hinduphobia And Anti-Hindu Bigotry

The House of Representatives of United States' Georgia has passed the 'first-ever' county resolution condemning Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu bigotry in the US.

"Hinduphobia, as described by the Understanding Hinduphobia Initiative, is "a set of antagonistic, destructive, and derogatory attitudes and behaviors towards Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism) and Hindus that may manifest as prejudice, fear, or hatred," said the resolution passed by the Georgia House of Representatives.

Hinduphobia, as described by the Understanding Hinduphobia Initiative, is "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 further said that there have been documented instances of hate crimes against Hindu Americans over the last few decades in many parts of the US.

"In July 2022, a report released by Rutgers University titled "Anti-Hindu Disinformation: A Case Study of Hinduphobia on Social Media" detailed how hate messages in social media translate into real life threats for people of the Hindu faith," it said.

The resolution added that Hinduphobia is being "exacerbated and institutionalised by some in academia who support the dismantling of Hinduism and accuse its sacred texts and cultural practices of violence and oppression".

"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,"

The resolution, introduced by Georgia state house representatives Lauren McDonald and Todd Jones among others, also recognised the contributions of Hindu Americans in the US.

"United States has always been a beacon of hope, progress, and innovation, attracting people from around the world to create and live a better and fulfilling life, and has welcomed more than four million Hindus from all corners of the world and given them better opportunities and the freedom to practice Hinduism, also known as "Sanatana Dharma"," the resolution said.

"The American Hindu community has been a major contributor to diverse sectors such as medicine, science and engineering, information technology, hospitality, finance, academia, manufacturing, energy, retail trade, and so much more," it added.

The resolution also recognised Hindu contributions of Yoga, Ayurveda, meditation, food, music and arts among others, saying that they have enriched the cultural fabric of the US and have been "widely adopted in American society and enriched the lives of millions".

According to Hindu advocacy group 'Coalition of Hindus of North America' (CoHNA), Forsyth County in the suburbs of Atlanta is home to one of the largest Hindu American and Indian American diaspora communities.