A resolution condemning Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu and reaffirming Minnesota's commitment to religious freedom, inclusion, and mutual respect

A resolution

condemning Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu bigotry and reaffirming Minnesota's

commitment to religious freedom, inclusion, and mutual respect.

WHEREAS, the state of Minnesota, guided by its state constitution and the Minnesota Human

Rights Act, has a long, proud history of defending religious freedom without fear of intimidation

or persecution. The people of Minnesota, through the United States Constitution and its traditions,

are committed to the principles of religious liberty, freedom of expression, cultural pluralism, and

the inherent dignity of every individual; and

WHEREAS, Hinduism, also known as Sanatana Dharma, is one of the world's oldest and

largest religions, with over 1.2 billion adherents globally and a diverse and growing community of

over four million in the United States who have contributed immeasurably to our society. The Hindu

community faces challenges, including discrimination, human rights violations, and marginalization,

which underscore the importance of affirming their dignity and rights everywhere; and

WHEREAS, the Hindu-American community has been a major contributor to diverse sectors,

such as yoga, ayurveda, meditation, medicine, science and engineering, information technology,

hospitality, finance, academia, manufacturing, energy, retail trade, and much more, enriching the

cultural, economic, and social fabric of our state and billions globally; and

WHEREAS, Hinduphobia, as described in the Understanding Hinduphobia initiative, is "a

set of antagonistic, destructive, and derogatory attitudes and behaviors toward Hinduism (Sanatana

Dharma) and Hindus that may manifest as prejudice, fear, or hatred," leading to discrimination,

harassment, and violence; and

WHEREAS, in 2022, a study 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-world threats against the Hindu community; and

WHEREAS, hate-based vandalism against Hindu places of worship, known as mandirs, is

rising nationally, with recent incidents in New Jersey, Indiana, California, New York, and North

Carolina. Bullets tore through an ISKCON mandir in Utah. In Minnesota, the Maple Grove mandir,

one of the largest in the country, has experienced acts of vandalism, and the mandir in Edina has

been the target of hate speech. These incidents reflect a spreading wave of Hinduphobia that calls

for recognition and protection; and

WHEREAS, bipartisan cooperation and leadership are essential in upholding these shared

values and in combating any form of religious discrimination or bigotry that undermines social

cohesion and democratic ideals; NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT RESOLVED by the Legislature of the State of Minnesota that it unequivocally

condemns Hinduphobia, anti-Hindu bigotry, and all forms of religious intolerance.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Minnesota welcomes the diversity and contributions of

its Hindu-American residents and is committed to protecting their right to worship in safety and

peace.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Minnesota encourages state and local agencies, including

educational institutions and law enforcement, to enhance their understanding of Hinduphobia and

to include the Hindu community in their diversity initiatives, anti-bias training programs, and

interfaith dialogue.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature calls upon the attorney general and all

Minnesota state employees to enforce and carry out the laws against discrimination to ensure that

Hinduphobia is not welcome in Minnesota.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of State of the State of Minnesota is directed

to prepare copies of this memorial and transmit them to the Attorney General of the State of

Minnesota, Governor Tim Walz, and the members of the Legislature of the State of Minnesota.