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HAF backs bill allowing religious displays on home doors
HAF noted that its support for the bill is also aimed at fostering an environment of “inclusiveness and pluralism.”
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Jeffin T. Kaleekal - Wed, 20, May 2026
- 03:19 EDT
- 37
Hindu American Foundation logo / HAF
The Hindu American Foundation has voiced support for two bills introduced in the New York State Legislature that seek to protect residents’ right to display religious symbols at home entrances.
The bills, Senate Bill S4466 and Assembly Bill A9195, would prohibit landlords, homeowners associations and property managers from enforcing rules that ban religious items such as Hindu torans, diyas, images of deities and Jewish mezuzahs from entry doors and doorframes.
Sponsored in the Assembly by state Assemblyman Charles D. Lavine and in the Senate by Democratic state Sen. Shelley B. Mayer, the bipartisan bill is currently being reviewed by the Senate Codes Committee.
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Endorsing the bill, HAF said in a statement, “The bills prohibit landlords, homeowners associations and property managers from enforcing policies that restrict the display of religious symbols or items by residents.”
HAF added, “Protecting our right to display these symbols of our sacred traditions is a necessary part of preserving religious freedoms for Hindus and other faiths that face similar obstacles.”
HAF highlighted that its support for the bill is also aimed at fostering an environment of “inclusiveness and pluralism” in New York communities.
The bill would amend civil rights law in relation to the display of religious items on dwellings.
The Senate bill acknowledges that it has been patterned after a California law and that Connecticut, Florida, Rhode Island, Illinois and Texas also have similar laws.
The bill also provides for certain special-case restrictions on religious displays. If passed, the bill would disallow religious displays that create safety risks, violate laws, obstruct doors or contain illegal or obscene content.
Additionally, residents can also be asked to temporarily remove such items during maintenance or repair work.
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