DATE: 03/27/2023
Condemning Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu bigotry
23 LC 112 1661
H. R. 701
House Resolution 701
By: Representatives McDonald of the 26th, Jones of the 25th, Jasperse of the 11th, Clark of the 100th, and Cox of the 28th
A RESOLUTION
Condemning Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu bigotry; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS, Hinduism is one the world’s largest and oldest religions with over 1.2 billion
adherents in over 100 countries and which encompasses an array of diverse traditions and
belief systems with values of acceptance, mutual respect, and peace; and
WHEREAS, the United States has always been a beacon of hope, progress, and innovation,
attracting people from around the world to create and live a better and fulfilling life, and has
welcomed more than four million Hindus from all corners of the world and given them better
opportunities and the freedom to practice Hinduism, also known as “Sanatana Dharma“; and
WHEREAS, 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, retail trade, and so much more; and
WHEREAS, Hindu contributions of Yoga, Ayurveda, meditation, food, music, arts, and more
have enriched the cultural fabric and have been widely adopted in American society and
enriched the lives of millions; and
WHEREAS, Hinduphobia, as described by the Understanding Hinduphobia Initiative, is “a
set of antagonistic, destructive, and derogatory attitudes and behaviors towards Sanatana
Dharma (Hinduism) and Hindus that may manifest as prejudice, fear, or hatred”; and
WHEREAS, there have been documented instances of hate crimes against Hindu Americans
over the last few decades in many parts of the country; and
WHEREAS, in July 2022, a report released by Rutgers University titled “Anti-Hindu
Disinformation: A Case Study of Hinduphobia on Social Media” detailed how hate messages
in social media translate into real life threats for people of the Hindu faith; and
WHEREAS, Hinduphobia is exacerbated and institutionalized by some in academia who
support the dismantling of Hinduism and accuse its sacred texts and cultural practices of
violence and oppression.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that
the representatives of Forsyth County in the Georgia State Legislature condemn
Hinduphobia, anti-Hindu bigotry, and intolerance and declares Forsyth County as a place that
welcomes the diversity brought by Hindu Americans and all those who work hard, follow
our laws, uphold family values, and contribute to our economic and social well-being.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to the public and the press.