Anti-Hindu hate crimes in California have become the second-most reported form of religious bias, according to a report by the California Civil Rights Department (CRD). This comes amid a rise in hate crimes within the state. Anti-Semitism was the top form of religious hate reported in the US state, while cases of Islamophobia came third.
The data comes amid Indian-American politicians flagging the rise in Hinduphobia in the US.
In 2023, California launched the California vs Hate programme to combat hate crimes, which received over 1,000 reports in its first year. The initiative provides a hotline and online portal for safe and anonymous reporting, supporting individuals and communities targeted by hate.
Among religiously motivated incidents, anti-Hindu bias ranked second, constituting 23.3%. Anti-Jewish bias or anti-semitism was the highest at around 37%. Anti-Muslim hate crimes rank third, comprising 14.6% of religious bias incidents, according to reports.
Many hate crimes historically go unreported due to fear of retaliation, lack of culturally competent resources, concern around immigration consequences, and distrust of law enforcement. The most common reasons cited in the reports were discriminatory treatment (18.4%), verbal harassment (16.7%), and derogatory names or slurs (16.7%).
“CA vs Hate is about recognising and protecting the incredible diversity of our state and sending a clear message that hate will never be tolerated,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.
The CA vs Hate initiative is a direct response to the rise in reported hate crimes, which have reached their highest levels since 2001, with a nearly 33% increase from 2020 to 2021.
Incidents most commonly occurred in residential areas (29.9%), workplaces (9.7%), and public facilities (9.1%). About two-thirds of individuals agreed to follow up for care coordination services, including legal aid or counselling.
Nearly 80% of California’s counties were represented in the reports, including all 10 of the state’s most populated counties.
Further validation of 560 reports by CA vs Hate staff revealed that race and ethnicity (35.1%), gender identity (15.1%), and sexual orientation (10.8%) were the most cited bias motivations. Anti-Black (26.8%), anti-Latino (15.4%), and anti-Asian (14.3%) biases were the most reported within the race and ethnicity category.
The sudden increase in hate crimes against Indian-Americans, particularly Hindus, has caused significant fear and anxiety within the community. Many community members have expressed anger at the perceived inaction of law enforcement agencies, particularly regarding incidents such as the attempted burning of the Indian consulate in San Francisco and threats against Indian diplomats.
An Indian-American Democrat Congressman has joined Hindu leaders and organisations in calling out the growing "Hinduphobia" in the United States. This call to action highlights the urgent need for measures to protect the community.
