House bill aims to condemn ‘Hinduphobia’ but draws concern from progressive groups
A new piece of legislation introduced in the House of Representatives aims to condemn “Hinduphobia." Progressive groups say use of that term concerns them.
A new piece of legislation introduced in the House of Representatives aims to condemn “Hinduphobia,” a term used by some Hindu Americans to describe what they say are burgeoning anti-Hindu sentiments in the United States.
The bill was introduced by Democratic Rep. Shri Thanedar, an Indian American from Michigan. At a news conference Monday, he described what he feels is a growing threat to Indian Americans who practice Hinduism, the world’s third-largest religion.
“Today I am seeing in the United States a substantial increase of attacks on Hinduism, a lot of misinformation being circulated,” he said. “Having practiced Hinduism, having grown in a Hindu household, I know what Hinduism is. It is a very peaceful religion … It is not a religion that attacks others, it is not a religion that is aggressive against others.”
Thanedar’s resolution enumerates several points, including that the House celebrates the contributions of Hindus to the U.S. and condemns “Hinduphobia” and anti-Hindu bigotry.
But progressive Hindu and South Asians groups are expressing concern about this legislation, saying that, while anti-Hinduism sentiment does exist, the term “Hinduphobia” was invented by the Indian far-right to shut down criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government.
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