SF 4115

Introduction - 94th Legislature (2025 - 2026)

Posted on 03/19/2026 09:12 a.m.

A resolution
condemning Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu bigotry and reaffirming Minnesota's
commitment to religious freedom, inclusion, and mutual respect.

WHEREAS, the state of Minnesota, guided by its state constitution and the Minnesota Human
Rights Act, has a long, proud history of defending religious freedom without fear of intimidation
or persecution. The people of Minnesota, through the United States Constitution and its traditions,
are committed to the principles of religious liberty, freedom of expression, cultural pluralism, and
the inherent dignity of every individual; and

WHEREAS, Hinduism, also known as Sanatana Dharma, is one of the world's oldest and
largest religions, with over 1.2 billion adherents globally and a diverse and growing community of
over four million in the United States who have contributed immeasurably to our society. The Hindu
community faces challenges, including discrimination, human rights violations, and marginalization,
which underscore the importance of affirming their dignity and rights everywhere; and

WHEREAS, the Hindu-American community has been a major contributor to diverse sectors,
such as yoga, ayurveda, meditation, medicine, science and engineering, information technology,
hospitality, finance, academia, manufacturing, energy, retail trade, and much more, enriching the
cultural, economic, and social fabric of our state and billions globally; and

WHEREAS, Hinduphobia, as described in the Understanding Hinduphobia initiative, is "a
set of antagonistic, destructive, and derogatory attitudes and behaviors toward Hinduism (Sanatana
Dharma) and Hindus that may manifest as prejudice, fear, or hatred," leading to discrimination,
harassment, and violence; and

WHEREAS, in 2022, a study released by Rutgers University titled "Anti-Hindu
Disinformation: A Case Study of Hinduphobia on Social Media" detailed how hate messages in
social media translate into real-world threats against the Hindu community; and

WHEREAS, hate-based vandalism against Hindu places of worship, known as mandirs, is
rising nationally, with recent incidents in New Jersey, Indiana, California, New York, and North
Carolina. Bullets tore through an ISKCON mandir in Utah. In Minnesota, the Maple Grove mandir,
one of the largest in the country, has experienced acts of vandalism, and the mandir in Edina has
been the target of hate speech. These incidents reflect a spreading wave of Hinduphobia that calls
for recognition and protection; and

WHEREAS, bipartisan cooperation and leadership are essential in upholding these shared
values and in combating any form of religious discrimination or bigotry that undermines social
cohesion and democratic ideals; NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT RESOLVED by the Legislature of the State of Minnesota that it unequivocally
condemns Hinduphobia, anti-Hindu bigotry, and all forms of religious intolerance.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Minnesota welcomes the diversity and contributions of
its Hindu-American residents and is committed to protecting their right to worship in safety and
peace.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Minnesota encourages state and local agencies, including
educational institutions and law enforcement, to enhance their understanding of Hinduphobia and
to include the Hindu community in their diversity initiatives, anti-bias training programs, and
interfaith dialogue.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature calls upon the attorney general and all
Minnesota state employees to enforce and carry out the laws against discrimination to ensure that
Hinduphobia is not welcome in Minnesota.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of State of the State of Minnesota is directed
to prepare copies of this memorial and transmit them to the Attorney General of the State of
Minnesota, Governor Tim Walz, and the members of the Legislature of the State of Minnesota.