Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Jun 17: The Hindu American Foundation (HAF), a leading advocacy organisation representing Hindu Americans, has urged California's State of Hate Commission to formally acknowledge the growing incidence of anti-Hindu discrimination and ensure that Hindu communities are included in statewide anti-hate initiatives.

In a post shared on X on Wednesday, the organisation appealed to California leaders to make certain that Hindu Americans are not excluded from efforts aimed at combating hate crimes and promoting religious freedom.

"As California leaders discuss how to combat hate, we encourage Xavier Becerra and Steve Hilton to ensure Hindu Americans are not overlooked in statewide anti-hate efforts. Religious freedom means protecting all communities, including Hindus," HAF said.

The appeal follows formal comments submitted by the organisation to the California State of Hate Commission on June 9, in which it highlighted an increase in incidents involving bias, vandalism and targeted attacks against Hindus in recent years.

According to HAF, data from California's Civil Rights Department indicates that anti-Hindu incidents accounted for 23 per cent of all reported cases involving religious bias, making it the second most frequently reported category of religion-based hate crimes in the state.

The organisation stressed that these figures represent real-world threats faced by members of the community.

HAF stated that Hindu temples and places of worship, which are intended to serve as safe and peaceful spaces, have increasingly become targets of intimidation, desecration and acts of vandalism.

The organisation also expressed concern over what it described as a growing trend of digital racism and xenophobia directed at Hindu Americans and Indian Americans across the United States.

According to HAF, online disinformation campaigns and political narratives surrounding immigration have contributed to a rise in anti-Indian and anti-Hindu hate speech.

The advocacy group warned that hateful rhetoric, including ethnic slurs, occupational stereotyping and hostility towards Hindu traditions and practices, often extends beyond social media platforms and can translate into real-world discrimination.

HAF called upon the State of Hate Commission and California's Civil Rights Department to take concrete steps to address the issue and strengthen protections for Hindu residents.

The organisation also urged authorities to publicly recognise and condemn anti-Hindu prejudice, reaffirming California's commitment to opposing all forms of religious and ethnic discrimination.

"Hindu Americans are an integral and vibrant part of California's social fabric. Freedom of religion and the ability to practise one's faith without fear are fundamental rights. We urge the Commission to formally acknowledge the rise in anti-Hindu bias and prioritise the safety, protection and inclusion of Hindu Americans in statewide anti-hate initiatives," HAF Managing Director Samir Kalra said.