News Notes
The Georgia State Senate in April 2025 introduced Senate Bill 375 (SB 375) in the Georgia State Senate, a move to formally recognize Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu hate in the state’s penal code. This legislation enables law enforcement and state agencies to account for Hinduphobia while documenting and responding to incidents of bias and discrimination. It marks the first time any U.S. state has taken such a step at the statutory level.
“This is a pivotal moment for the Hindu community in Georgia and across the United States,” said Rajeev Menon, Co-founder and Vice President of CoHNA (The Coalition of Hindus of North America). “SB 375 is not only a response to rising incidents of anti-Hindu hate, but also an affirmation that our community belongs, contributes, and deserves equal protection under the law.”
CoHNA and the Hindus of Georgia PAC worked closely with Senator Shawn Still whose leadership paved the way for this development. “Senator Still has always been a staunch supporter of the Hindu community. His commitment to fighting Hinduphobia has been a beacon of hope for us”, said Shobha Swamy, board member of the Hindus of Georgia PAC.
Senator Still introduced SB 375 in the Georgia State Senate on April 4, 2025, along with Senators Emanuel Jones, Jason Esteves, and Clint Dixon. While Senators Still and Dixon are from the Republican Party, Senators Jones and Esteves are from the Democratic Party. This bipartisan support reflects a growing commitment to protect the rights and freedoms of all Americans.
This bill builds upon the precedent set in April 2023, when Georgia became the first state to pass a County House Resolution—HR 701 – condemning Hinduphobia and celebrating the positive contributions of Hindus to the state’s cultural, civic, and economic life.
