Purpose

• Condemn Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu bigotry and reaffirm Minnesota’s commitment to religious freedom, inclusion, and mutual respect.
• Recognize the Hindu American community’s contributions and affirm their right to worship in safety and peace.
• Encourage government and educational institutions to understand Hinduphobia better and to include the Hindu community in diversity efforts, antibias training, and interfaith dialogue.

Background

• Hinduphobia is described in the resolution as negative attitudes and behaviors toward Hinduism (Sanatana Dharma) and Hindus that can lead to discrimination, harassment, or violence.
• The resolution notes concerns about rising hate-based vandalism against Hindu temples (mandirs) and cites a Rutgers study on Hinduphobia and social media disinformation.
• It emphasizes the importance of bipartisan effort to protect religious freedom and social cohesion.

Main Provisions

• The Legislature condemns Hinduphobia, anti-Hindu bigotry, and all forms of religious intolerance.
• Minnesota welcomes the diversity and contributions of Hindu American residents and commits to protecting their right to worship in safety and peace.
• It urges state and local agencies, including educational institutions and law enforcement, to:
  • Improve understanding of Hinduphobia.
  • Include the Hindu community in diversity initiatives, antibias training programs, and interfaith dialogue.
• It calls on the attorney general and all Minnesota state employees to enforce laws against discrimination to ensure Hinduphobia is not welcome in Minnesota.
• The Secretary of State is directed to prepare copies of the memorial and transmit them to the Attorney General, the Governor, and the Legislature.

Legal Status and Effects

• This is a memorial/resolution, not a bill that changes statute or creates new legal rights or obligations.
• It serves as an official statement of concern and a call to action for agencies and officials, rather than a new law.

Implementation and Impact

• The resolution seeks to influence policies and training within state and local agencies, educational institutions, and law enforcement by promoting awareness of Hinduphobia and inclusion of Hindu communities in diversity and antibias efforts.
• It encourages ongoing interfaith dialogue and strengthened protections against discrimination, without creating new legal standards.

Relevant Terms

• Hinduphobia
• anti-Hindu bigotry
• Hinduism (Sanatana Dharma)
• Hindu American
• mandirs (Hindu temples)
• discrimination
• harassment
• violence
• religious freedom
• diversity initiatives
• antibias training
• interfaith dialogue
• attorney general
• state employees
• Secretary of State
• Minnesota
• worship in safety and peace
• inclusivity and mutual respect