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Bill > SB375
GA SB375
GA SB375State Government; consider the definition of hinduphobia provided for in this Act to apply to laws and regulations; require certain agencies
summary
Introduced
04/04/2025
04/04/2025
In Committee
04/04/2025
04/04/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
AN ACT To amend Chapter 1 of Title 50 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general provisions relative to state government, so as to require certain agencies to consider the definition of hinduphobia provided for in this Act to apply to laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, or national origin; to authorize fact finders in certain criminal cases to consider hinduphobia when determining whether a defendant intentionally selected any victim or group of victims or any property as the object of the offense; to provide for limitations and construction; to provide for definitions; to provide for nonseverability; to provide for an effective date; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
AI Summary
This bill introduces a new section to the Georgia state government code that defines "hinduphobia" as a set of antagonistic, destructive, and derogatory attitudes and behaviors towards Hinduism. The bill requires state and local agencies that enforce anti-discrimination laws to consider this definition when investigating potential discrimination cases. It also allows fact-finders in criminal cases to consider hinduphobia when determining if a defendant intentionally targeted a victim or group based on their characteristics. The bill includes several important limitations: it explicitly protects First Amendment rights, does not interfere with existing discrimination laws, and does not create new legal causes of action. Importantly, the bill includes a non-severability clause, meaning that if any part of the law is found invalid, the entire law will be automatically repealed. The legislation aims to provide a formal recognition of potential discrimination against Hindus and give state agencies a framework for addressing such issues, while maintaining protections for free speech and existing legal standards.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (3)
Last Action
Senate Read and Referred (on 04/04/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/72067 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20252026/239215 |
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