On behalf of California’s Hindu and Indian-origin communities, we strongly urge you to reject Senate Bill 509 (SB-509). At the same time, we acknowledge the bill’s stated goal of addressing transnational repression, its unintended consequences, vagueness, and potential for misuse, which present serious threats to our communities. Additionally, such issues clearly fall under federal jurisdiction, not state legislation.
Key Reasons to Fully Reject SB-509:
Federal Jurisdiction and Usurpation of U.S. Foreign Policy
Transnational repression and foreign policy are issues best managed by federal authorities. SB-509 risks infringing on federal responsibilities, which could disrupt diplomatic relations between the United States and key global partners such as India. Individual states should refrain from legislating on international affairs, as this creates conflicting standards and undermines the federal government’s capacity to manage diplomatic relations effectively.
Economic Risks to California
California’s economic prosperity is closely linked to international trade, especially with India—a significant global economic partner. SB-509 could adversely affect trade and investment flows, leading to uncertainty and deterring international collaboration. The economic consequences could involve the loss of business partnerships, decreased foreign investment, and slowed economic growth.
Ambiguous Definitions Leading to Misuse
SB-509 includes broad and vague language, making it susceptible to exploitation by politically motivated groups. Anti-India or separatist factions, such as Khalistani activists, might misuse the bill to incorrectly label legitimate activities of the Hindu or Indian-American community as transnational repression. This exploitation can lead to unjust investigations, surveillance, and legal actions against innocent community leaders and organizations.
Rising Documented Hinduphobia and Anti-Hindu Hate Crimes
California’s Hindu community is encountering rising levels of discrimination and targeted attacks:
– According to the California Civil Rights Department’s ‘CA vs Hate’ hotline (2023), 23.3% of reported religious hate incidents targeted Hindus.
– In 2023 alone, six Hindu temples in the Bay Area experienced acts of vandalism, including hateful graffiti that was explicitly anti-Hindu and anti-India.
– Gandhi statues in Davis (2021) and multiple other locations have been desecrated, highlighting a concerning rise in targeted hostility against symbols of Hindu and Indian heritage.
Specific Risks to Hindu Communities
Hindu Californians may encounter heightened harassment under SB-509, particularly from Khalistani activists who have a history of using threats and misinformation against Hindu temples and community groups. This misuse could wrongly stigmatize Hindu organizations, hinder legitimate advocacy efforts, and harm community relations. The bill could unintentionally empower extremists, allowing them to intimidate and silence genuine Hindu voices.
Exacerbation of Community Tensions
SB-509 has the potential to amplify existing divisions within California’s diverse communities. Misapplication of its provisions could increase polarization, particularly between Hindu and Sikh populations, negatively impacting community cohesion and mutual understanding.
Given these substantial risks and the inherent federal jurisdiction over international matters, we strongly urge the complete rejection of SB-509. Our communities support effective federal initiatives against genuine repression but oppose state-level legislation susceptible to severe misuse and unintended consequences.
Thank you for your thoughtful consideration.
Sincerely,
Deepti Mahajan
Co-Convenor
HinduPACT
March 23, 2025
