Kamal Ghorui
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 inclusion, officials said.The resolution is known as Senate File 4115. It was introduced in the Minnesota Senate in February and outlines the state’s support for mutual respect among all communities. It calls on the legislature to condemn prejudice against Hindu people and to uphold religious liberty as protected under the US Constitution and the Minnesota Human Rights Act.According to the text of the resolution, Hinduism is one of the world’s oldest and largest religions, with more than 1.2 billion followers worldwide and a growing population of Hindu Americans. The document notes that Hindu Americans contribute to many sectors of society, including medicine, science, engineering, information technology, hospitality and academia.The resolution describes Hinduphobia as negative attitudes and actions toward Hinduism and Hindus that can lead to discrimination, harassment or violence. It cites research on hate messages on social media that can contribute to real‑world threats against Hindu communities.Minnesota has seen reported incidents targeting Hindu places of worship, known as mandirs, including acts of vandalism and hate speech, the draft resolution says. The lawmakers behind the measure said these events must not be ignored and recognised to address bias affecting Hindu Americans.If adopted by the full legislature, the resolution would formally declare the Minnesota Legislature’s rejection of Hinduphobia, anti‑Hindu bigotry and all forms of religious intolerance. It would also affirm the state’s welcome for the diversity and contributions of its Hindu‑American residents and support their right to worship in safety and peace. The text encourages state and local agencies, including schools and law enforcement, to improve their understanding of Hinduphobia, to include the Hindu community in diversity and anti‑bias training, and to expand interfaith dialogue.Lawmakers sponsoring the measure come from both major political parties in Minnesota.In the US, many high-profile leaders under the Trump administration also follow Hinduism. Second lady Usha Vance, ex-DOGE leader Vivek Ramaswamy, FBI director Kash Patel, Intelligence head Tulsi Gabbard and many more. Moreover, a Hanuman statue was recently erected in Texas by Hindu groups, which some MAGA Republicans called an ‘invasion’ of Christian land and demanded its removal.
