American state Georgia condemn Hinduphobia, passed resolution

In the US, Georgia Assembly has passed a resolution condemning Hinduphobia, making it the first American State to take such a legislative measure. Condemning Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu bigotry, the resolution said Hinduism is one of the world's largest and oldest religions with over 1.2 billion adherents in over 100 countries. The resolution said, Hinduism encompasses an array of diverse traditions and belief systems with values of acceptance, mutual respect, and peace. 
The resolution was introduced by Representatives Lauren McDonald and Todd Jones from Forsyth County in the suburbs of Atlanta, home to one of the largest Hindu and Indian-American diaspora communities in Georgia. The resolution observed that the American-Hindu community has been a major contributor to diverse sectors such as medicine, science and engineering, information technology, hospitality, finance, academia, manufacturing, energy, and retail trade, among others. 
It also noted that the community's contributions of Yoga, ayurveda, meditation, food, music, and arts have enriched the cultural fabric and have been widely adopted in American society and enhanced the lives of millions. The resolution said, there have been documented instances of hate crimes against Hindu-Americans over the last few decades in many parts of the country. It said, Hinduphobia is exacerbated and institutionalised by some in academia who support the dismantling of Hinduism and accuse its sacred texts and cultural practices of violence and oppression.

A move in this regard was spearheaded by the Atlanta chapter of the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA), which organised the first-ever Hindu Advocacy Day held on March 22 at the Georgia State Capitol. It was attended by around 25 lawmakers -- both Republicans and Democrats -- who joined the Hindu community to understand its concerns, pledge to create ways to protect the community against discrimination and facilitate the inclusion of Hindu voices in important decision-making processes in the state. CoHNA general secretary Shobha Swamy said, "The issues faced by Hindu Americans in Georgia and the rest of the country via false, Hinduphobic narratives are negatively impacting a community that has been hardworking, law-abiding and enriching the fabric of America."