The U.S. Department of Justice would be required to set up a task force to address rising hatred and discrimination against Sikhs under legislation introduced by Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.).
The Sikh American Anti-Discrimination Act was designed to protect what Gottheimer said was the third most-targeted religious group in the United States. Last year, Sikhs suffered 153 attacks, he said.
“We know that there is no place for hate or intolerance here in the greatest country in the world,” stated Gottheimer, a member of the American Sikh Congressional Caucus. “That’s why we cannot remain silent as our Sikh brothers and sisters are attacked day in and day out.”
Under the bill, a Justice Department task force would define anti-Sikh hate and develop an education program to combat anti-Sikh hatred for elementary and secondary schools, colleges and universities and law enforcement agencies. It would also meet with members of the Sikh community and report annually to Congress about hate crimes directed against Sikhs.
“If we allow hatred, bigotry and intolerance to go unchecked, then we risk abandoning the very principles upon which our country was founded,” Gottheimer stated. “We reaffirm our commitment to promoting religious freedom and tolerance, and to working toward a world where all people are free to practice their faith without fear or discrimination.”
