Minnesota lawmakers have introduced a resolution in the state legislature condemning Hindu hatred 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 to the Minnesota Senate in February and demonstrates the state’s support for mutual respect among all communities. It calls on the Legislature to condemn bias against Hindu people and support religious freedom as protected by the US Constitution and the Minnesota Human Rights Act.According to the text of the resolution, Hinduism is one of the oldest and largest religions in the world, with more than 1.2 billion followers worldwide and a growing number 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 towards Hinduism and Hindus that can lead to discrimination, harassment or violence. He cites research on hate messages on social media that can contribute to real-world threats against Hindu communities.
The draft resolution says Minnesota has seen reported incidents targeting Hindu places of worship, known as mandir, including vandalism and hate speech. The lawmakers behind the measure said these events should not be ignored and acknowledged to address bias affecting Hindu Americans.If the resolution is adopted by the full Legislature, it will formally declare the Minnesota Legislature’s rejection of Hindu hatred, anti-Hindu bigotry, and all forms of religious intolerance.
It will also affirm that the country welcomes the diversity and contributions of its American Hindu population and supports their right to worship safely and peacefully.
The text encourages state and local agencies, including schools and law enforcement, to improve their understanding of Hinduphobia, include the Hindu community in diversity and anti-bias training, and expand interfaith dialogue.
“Didn’t want to rock the boat!”: Next clash with Tim Walz; Minnesota’s ugly fraud standoff
The lawmakers sponsoring the measure come from both major political parties in Minnesota.In the US, many prominent leaders under the Trump administration also follow Hinduism. Second Lady Usha Vance, former DOGE leader Vivek Ramaswamy, FBI Director Kash Patel, Intelligence Chief Tulsi Gabbard and many others. Furthermore, a statue of Hanuman was recently erected in Texas by Hindu groups, which some MAGA Republicans described as an “invasion” of Christian lands and demanded its removal.