California passes ‘anti- caste discrimination' SB 403 bill

California became the first American state with a anti-caste discrimination bills when the California State Assembly approved the SB 403 bill on August 28th. This legislation, designed to amend anti-discrimination laws, aims to counteract bias against marginalized communities.

California became the first American state with a anti-caste discrimination bills when the California State Assembly approved the SB 403 bill on August 28th. This legislation, designed to amend anti-discrimination laws, aims to counteract bias against marginalized communities.

The California state senate had earlier given its nod to this legislation, making California poised to become the first US state to incorporate caste as a safeguarded category in its anti-discrimination laws.

In response to today’s Assembly vote, the Hindu American Foundation’s Executive Director, Suhag Shukla said, “Today is a sad day. California has reawakened its racist past in passing legislation that demonizes and targets South Asians and Hindus. Fifty California legislators chose to side with anti-Hindu hate groups rather than showing moral courage and upholding the Constitution. When a state legislator pushes a law with the intent of targeting an ethnic community, it’s not only racist, it’s unconstitutional. We will explore every option to protect the rights of Hindu Californians. To the 27 legislators who abstained and the three who voted no, thank you for standing on the side of equality and justice.”

Ambedkar Association of North America (AANA) praised the decision and wrote, “Landmark. Historic. Unprecedented. We are proud to share that California state assembly passed anti caste discrimination bill #SB403 with overwhelming majority. This is what Educate, Agitate and Organize looks like.”