HF 4098

02/27/26   REVISOR  DTT/RC  26-07598
This Document can be made available
in alternative formats upon request  State of Minnesota
  HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
  NINETY-FOURTH SESSION
  H. F. No.      4098
03/09/2026     Authored by Robbins and Hill
  The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Rules and Legislative Administration
1.1A resolution
1.2condemning Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu bigotry and reaffirming Minnesota's
1.3commitment to religious freedom, inclusion, and mutual respect.
1.4WHEREAS, the state of Minnesota, guided by its state constitution and the Minnesota Human
1.5Rights Act, has a long, proud history of defending religious freedom without fear of intimidation
1.6or persecution. The people of Minnesota, through the United States Constitution and its traditions,
1.7are committed to the principles of religious liberty, freedom of expression, cultural pluralism, and
1.8the inherent dignity of every individual; and
1.9WHEREAS, Hinduism, also known as Sanatana Dharma, is one of the world's oldest and
1.10largest religions, with over 1.2 billion adherents globally and a diverse and growing community of
1.11over four million in the United States who have contributed immeasurably to our society. The Hindu
1.12community faces challenges, including discrimination, human rights violations, and marginalization,
1.13which underscore the importance of affirming their dignity and rights everywhere; and
1.14WHEREAS, the Hindu-American community has been a major contributor to diverse sectors,
1.15such as yoga, ayurveda, meditation, medicine, science and engineering, information technology,
1.16hospitality, finance, academia, manufacturing, energy, retail trade, and much more, enriching the
1.17cultural, economic, and social fabric of our state and billions globally; and
1.18WHEREAS, Hinduphobia, as described in the Understanding Hinduphobia initiative, is "a
1.19set of antagonistic, destructive, and derogatory attitudes and behaviors toward Hinduism (Sanatana
1.20Dharma) and Hindus that may manifest as prejudice, fear, or hatred," leading to discrimination,
1.21harassment, and violence; and
1.22WHEREAS, in 2022, a study released by Rutgers University titled "Anti-Hindu
1.23Disinformation: A Case Study of Hinduphobia on Social Media" detailed how hate messages in
1.24social media translate into real-world threats against the Hindu community; and
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02/27/26   REVISOR  DTT/RC  26-07598
2.1WHEREAS, hate-based vandalism against Hindu places of worship, known as mandirs, is
2.2  rising nationally, with recent incidents in New Jersey, Indiana, California, New York, and North
2.3  Carolina. Bullets tore through an ISKCON mandir in Utah. In Minnesota, the Maple Grove mandir,
2.4  one of the largest in the country, has experienced acts of vandalism, and the mandir in Edina has
2.5  been the target of hate speech. These incidents reflect a spreading wave of Hinduphobia that calls
2.6  for recognition and protection; and
2.7WHEREAS, bipartisan cooperation and leadership are essential in upholding these shared
2.8  values and in combating any form of religious discrimination or bigotry that undermines social
2.9  cohesion and democratic ideals; NOW, THEREFORE,
2.10BE IT RESOLVED by the Legislature of the State of Minnesota that it unequivocally
2.11 condemns Hinduphobia, anti-Hindu bigotry, and all forms of religious intolerance.
2.12BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Minnesota welcomes the diversity and contributions of
2.13 its Hindu-American residents and is committed to protecting their right to worship in safety and
2.14 peace.
2.15BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Minnesota encourages state and local agencies, including
2.16 educational institutions and law enforcement, to enhance their understanding of Hinduphobia and
2.17 to include the Hindu community in their diversity initiatives, anti-bias training programs, and
2.18 interfaith dialogue.
2.19BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature calls upon the attorney general and all
2.20 Minnesota state employees to enforce and carry out the laws against discrimination to ensure that
2.21 Hinduphobia is not welcome in Minnesota.
2.22BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of State of the State of Minnesota is directed
2.23 to prepare copies of this memorial and transmit them to the Attorney General of the State of
2.24 Minnesota, Governor Tim Walz, and the members of the Legislature of the State of Minnesota.
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