The Georgia state assembly passed a resolution condemning Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu hate on March 27, 2023, thereby becoming the first American state to bring forth such a measure.
The resolution was introduced by Rep. Lauren McDonald and Rep. Todd Jones from Forsyth County, an Atlanta suburb and home to one of the largest Hindu and Indian American diaspora communities in Georgia, according to the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA).
The unanimously passed resolution reads, “Hinduism is one of the world's largest and oldest religions with over 1.2 billion adherents in over 100 countries and which encompasses an array of diverse traditions and belief systems with values of acceptance, mutual respect, and peace,....”
The historic resolution observed that the American Hindu community’s contribution in diverse areas including yoga, ayurveda, meditation, food, music, and art has enriched the cultural fabric of America. Moreover, it welcomed the diversity brought by Hindu Americans.
"It was a true honor to work with Rep McDonald and Rep Jones as well as other lawmakers who guided us through the whole process of getting this County Resolution passed," said Rajeev Menon, CoHNA vice president.
"We also heard that all the lawmakers had been working really long hours given the number of legislative items on the agenda, but still decided to join us on the Advocacy Day to show how much they value the Hindu community," he said.
CoHNA spearheaded the efforts to get the resolution passed despite an extremely busy legislative season. Local leaders from BAPS, Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, Umiya Mata Mandir, Shree Shakti Mandir, Sewa International, Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America (VHPA), and others participated in CoHNA’s efforts to connect with lawmakers of Georgia State.
