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American Hindus Against Defamation backs Georgia Senate Bill on Hinduphobia
The bill requires state agencies to recognize and address anti-Hindu bias in discrimination and hate crime laws.
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Pranavi Sharma - Tue, 09, Sep 2025
- 23:02 EDT
- 346
American Hindus Against Defamation logo. / AHAD
HinduPACT’s American Hindus Against Defamation (AHAD) has welcomed the introduction of Georgia Senate Bill 375, legislation that would officially recognize Hinduphobia as a form of bias under the state’s anti-discrimination and hate crime statutes.
The bill, introduced by Senators John Still (48th), Mike Jones (10th), Andrés Esteves (35th), and Lisa Dixon (45th), would define Hinduphobia in the Official Code of Georgia Annotated. If enacted, judges and juries would be able to consider anti-Hindu bias when determining whether an offense was motivated by hate.
The legislation follows earlier actions in Georgia. In April 2023, Georgia became the first U.S. state to pass a county resolution condemning Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu hate, following advocacy by organizations such as the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA). That resolution also acknowledged the contributions of Hindu Americans to the state.
The current bill follows years of mobilization. In 2021, “dotbuster” signs appeared in an Atlanta suburb, prompting wider calls for action. A key moment came on Mar. 22, 2023, when the first Hindu Advocacy Day was held at the Georgia State Capitol. Around 25 lawmakers from both parties met with Hindu community members to discuss discrimination concerns and pledged to ensure Hindu voices were included in state policymaking.
Since then, CoHNA and the Hindus of Georgia PAC have continued working with legislators to press for stronger protections. Senator Shawn Still, who sponsored the earlier resolution, has also played a central role in shaping SB 375.
ALSO READ: Georgia bill seeks to penalize Hinduphobia
Senator Still said, “Our commitment to equality demands that we confront all forms of religious bias. By explicitly naming and defining Hinduphobia, we ensure it cannot hide in the shadows of our statutes.”
Senator Jones added, “Georgia’s legal system must reflect the diversity of its communities. SB 375 closes a critical gap, giving courts and agencies the tools to protect Hindu Georgians from discrimination and violence.”
Community leaders also voiced support. “This legislation recognizes what our community has long endured. Hinduphobia is real, and it is on the rise,” said Surinder Dhar, HinduPACT Georgia Lead. “From misrepresentation in schools to occasional vandalism of temples, Hindus in Georgia face unique challenges that until now went unnoticed in the law. SB 375 changes that reality.”
Ajay Shah, Executive Chair of HinduPACT, said the measure affirms that Hindu Georgians deserve the same protections as other communities. Deepti Mahajan, President of HinduPACT, added, “This bill recognizes the lived reality of Hindus, whose faith, traditions, and identity are too often misunderstood or dismissed. By acknowledging Hinduphobia in law, Georgia ensures that Hindus are seen, heard, and protected as an essential part of our state’s diverse democracy.”
Senate Bill 375 has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee, where hearings and testimonies will be scheduled in the coming weeks.
Thank you @SenShawnStill for your leadership in tackling the growing problem of Hinduphobia and ensuring freedom of religion for ALL your constitutents. We are proud to have partnered with you and your colleagues to build awareness on this critical issue. We urge everyone to… pic.twitter.com/7Aft8d05wO
— CoHNA (Coalition of Hindus of North America) (@CoHNAOfficial) April 11, 2025
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