Anti-Hindu bigotry: Minnesota lawmakers condemn Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu bigotry in new law — everything you need to know

Minnesota lawmakers have introduced a resolution in the state Legislature condemning Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu bigotry and reaffirming the state’s commitment to religious freedom and tolerance, officials said.The resolution is known as Senate File 4115. The resolution, introduced in the Minnesota Senate in February, outlines the state’s support for mutual respect among all communities. It calls on the Legislature to condemn prejudice against Hindu people and uphold religious freedoms protected by the U.S. Constitution and the Minnesota Human Rights Act.According to the text of the resolution, Hinduism is one of the oldest and largest religions in the world, with more than 1.2 billion believers worldwide, and the number of Hindus in the United States is also growing. The document states that Indian Americans have contributed to many areas of society, including medicine, science, engineering, information technology, hospitality and academia.The resolution describes Hinduphobia as negative attitudes and behaviors toward Hinduism and Hindus that can lead to discrimination, harassment or violence. It cited research into hate messages on social media that can lead to real-world threats to Hindu communities.Incidents targeting Hindu places of worship, known as temples, including vandalism and hate speech, have been reported in Minnesota, the draft resolution said. Lawmakers behind the measure say these incidents must not be ignored and acknowledged to address the bias that affects Indian Americans.If passed by the full Legislature, the resolution would formally declare that the Minnesota Legislature rejects Hinduphobia, anti-Hindu bigotry and all forms of religious intolerance. It would also affirm that the state welcomes the diversity and contributions of Indian-American residents and supports their right to worship safely and peacefully. The text encourages state and local agencies, including schools and law enforcement, to increase understanding of Hinduphobia, include Hindu communities in diversity and anti-bias training, and expand interfaith dialogue.Lawmakers supporting the measure come from Minnesota’s two major political parties.In the United States, many prominent leaders in the Trump administration also practice Hinduism. Second Lady Usha Vance, former DOGE leader Vivek Ramaswamy, FBI Director Kash Patel, Intelligence Chief Tulsi Gabbard and many more. Additionally, a Hindu group recently erected a statue of Hanuman in Texas, which some “MAGA” Republicans called an “invasion” of Christian land and demanded its removal.