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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
- 20
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, the state became the first in the U.S. to pass a county-level resolution condemning Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu bigotry. SB 375 expands on that step by incorporating Hinduphobia directly into state law, addressing gaps that Hindu organizations say left their community vulnerable.
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.
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