Gavin Newsom rejects ‘unnecessary’ caste discrimination ban.
California Governor Vetoes Bill Banning Caste Discrimination
California Governor Gavin Newsom has vetoed a bill that aimed to ban discrimination based on caste, stating that existing laws already cover this issue. The bill, S.B. 403, was introduced by California Senator Aisha Wahab, the first Afghan-American woman elected to public office in 2018. Its purpose was to include caste as part of the state’s civil rights law, which currently defines “ancestry” for protection against discrimination.
In his veto statement, Governor Newsom emphasized California’s commitment to treating everyone with dignity and respect, regardless of their background. He highlighted that the state already prohibits discrimination based on various characteristics, including sex, race, religion, and more. Newsom argued that since discrimination based on caste is already covered under these existing categories, the bill was unnecessary.
The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) applauded the veto, claiming that the bill was based on racist rhetoric and false claims about the Hindu religion. HAF Managing Director Samir Kalra praised Governor Newsom for preventing a potential civil rights and constitutional disaster, which could have targeted hundreds of thousands of Californians based on their ethnicity or religious identity.
Seattle became the first U.S. city to outlaw caste discrimination earlier this year, followed by the Toronto school board in Canada. Additionally, two colleges in Maine and Massachusetts have also banned caste discrimination. With approximately 550,000 Indians residing in California, they represent the fourth-largest group of immigrants in the state.
Why did the Hindu American Foundation (HAF) applaud Governor Newsom’s veto of the bill?
California Governor Gavin Newsom has vetoed a bill that aimed to ban discrimination based on caste, stating that existing laws already cover this issue. The bill, S.B. 403, was introduced by California Senator Aisha Wahab, the first Afghan-American woman elected to public office in 2018. Its purpose was to include caste as part of the state’s civil rights law, which currently defines “ancestry” for protection against discrimination.
In his veto statement, Governor Newsom emphasized California’s commitment to treating everyone with dignity and respect, regardless of their background. He highlighted that the state already prohibits discrimination based on various characteristics, including sex, race, religion, and more. Newsom argued that since discrimination based on caste is already covered under these existing categories, the bill was unnecessary.
The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) applauded the veto, claiming that the bill was based on racist rhetoric and false claims about the Hindu religion. HAF Managing Director Samir Kalra praised Governor Newsom for preventing a potential civil rights and constitutional disaster, which could have targeted hundreds of thousands of Californians based on their ethnicity or religious identity.
Seattle became the first U.S. city to outlaw caste discrimination earlier this year, followed by the Toronto school board in Canada. Additionally, two colleges in Maine and Massachusetts have also banned caste discrimination. With approximately 550,000 Indians residing in California, they represent the fourth-largest group of immigrants in the state.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
