Georgia has taken a pioneering step by becoming the first U.S. state to propose legislation that would formally recognise Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu discrimination. Senate Bill 375, introduced on April 4, seeks to amend the state’s penal code to include a legal definition of Hinduphobia and require law enforcement to consider it when investigating hate crimes and enforcing anti-discrimination laws.

What Does the Bill Define?

The bipartisan legislation is sponsored by Republican Senators Shawn Still and Clint Dixon, along with Democratic Senators Jason Esteves and Emanuel D. Jones. The bill defines Hinduphobia as “a set of antagonistic, destructive, and derogatory attitudes and behaviours towards Hinduism,” and aims to protect the Hindu community against rising hate crimes and bias.

This proposed bill builds upon a resolution passed in April 2023 by the Georgia General Assembly, which condemned Hinduphobia and acknowledged the global and historical significance of Hinduism. That resolution, led by Republican Representatives Lauren McDonald and Todd Jones of Forsyth County, celebrated Hinduism as one of the world’s oldest religions and recognised the positive contributions of the Hindu-American community.

According to the Pew Research Center’s 2023–2024 Religious Landscape Study, the Hindu population in the U.S. is around 2.5 million, representing approximately 0.9% of the national population. Georgia is home to over 40,000 Hindus, many of whom reside in the greater Atlanta area and trace their roots to western India, particularly Gujarat.

Hindu Orgasitaions Praised the Bill

Hindu advocacy organisations such as the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) have applauded the bill, calling it a historic moment. CoHNA noted that the legislation strengthens the progress made in 2023 and emphasised its collaboration with Senator Still and other lawmakers.

Rising concerns over Hinduphobic incidents in the U.S. have prompted calls for action from Indian-American leaders and civil society groups. The Gavishti Foundation, through its Hinduphobia Tracker, reported over 1,300 hate crimes targeting Hindus since January 2023. Lawmakers and advocacy leaders alike stress the urgent need for awareness and legal protection amid growing religious intolerance, particularly on college campuses.

If enacted, Georgia’s bill could set a legislative precedent for other states to follow.