California Governor Gavin Newsom Vetoes Bill Banning Caste-Based Discrimination
In a recent development, California Governor Gavin Newsom has vetoed Senate Bill 403, a bill that aimed to explicitly ban caste-based discrimination in the state. The bill, introduced by Democratic state Senator Aisha Wahab in March, sought to include caste as a protected category under the existing civil rights law.
Progressive South Asian groups have expressed disappointment over the governor’s veto. However, they believe that the caste equity movement is just beginning and will continue to fight for equal rights. The bill ignited discussions within South Asian communities about the persisting effects of the caste system and instances of discrimination in American life.
Governor Newsom justified his decision by arguing that discrimination based on caste is already prohibited under existing categories such as race, religion, ancestry, and others. Therefore, he deemed the bill unnecessary. This stance divided opinions among civil rights groups. Some believed that the bill would provide a legal channel for Americans born into caste-oppressed groups to combat discrimination, while others contended that it perpetuated falsehoods about Hinduism and was fundamentally racist.
Celebrating the bill’s veto, the Hindu American Foundation (HAF) stated that discrimination based on caste violates both Hindu teachings and existing state and federal laws. The HAF’s support furthered the idea that caste discrimination should be addressed within the existing legal framework.
Despite the setback, the caste equity movement continues to gain momentum. Fresno, California has become the second city in the US, after Seattle, to add caste to its discrimination law. This development is seen by advocates as a significant step towards raising awareness about caste-based discrimination and fighting for basic human rights.
The veto has sparked ongoing debates surrounding the inclusion of caste as a protected category. While Governor Newsom stands firm on his decision, progressive South Asian groups and advocates of the caste equity movement view the bill’s progress as a crucial and necessary step towards ensuring equal rights and highlighting the issue of discrimination based on caste.
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