In a highly debated move, Governor Gavin Newsom of California vetoed Senate Bill 403, which aimed to explicitly ban caste discrimination in the state.[0] The bill sought to include caste as a protected category under the Unruh Civil Rights Act, Fair Employment and Housing Act, and education discrimination law.[1] However, Gov. Newsom argued that such legislation was unnecessary since California already prohibits discrimination based on various characteristics, including race, religion, and gender identity.
The decision to veto the bill comes despite pressure from anti-caste activists who launched a hunger strike and held rallies outside the Capitol, urging Newsom to sign the bill into law. These activists believe that explicitly outlawing caste discrimination is crucial in ensuring equal rights and protections for all Californians.
This move by Gov. Newsom puts California in contrast with other cities and states that have taken steps to ban caste discrimination. Seattle was the first city in the United States to pass a caste discrimination ordinance earlier this year, and Fresno followed suit last month.[2] However, opponents of the bill argue that it unfairly stigmatizes Hindus and people from South Asia, where caste is historically most closely associated.
The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) has been one of the leading voices against the bill, hailing Gov. Newsom's veto as a victory for civil rights.[2] HAF's managing director, Samir Kalra, expressed gratitude to the governor for recognizing what they perceive as the bill's flaws, including its reliance on what they believe to be racist rhetoric and a flawed caste survey conducted by Equality Labs.
While proponents of the bill argue that it is necessary to address caste discrimination within California, opponents contend that existing laws already protect against discrimination based on characteristics such as race and religion. They fear that explicitly adding caste to the list of protected categories would unfairly target the Hindu community and potentially lead to further discriminatory laws.
The decision to veto Senate Bill 403 has sparked mixed reactions within the Hindu diaspora and anti-caste activist community. Some expressed disappointment, vowing to continue the fight against caste discrimination, while others welcomed the decision and praised Gov. Newsom for averting what they believe would have been a civil rights and constitutional disaster.
The debate around caste discrimination in California is far from over. While some cities and states have taken steps to address the issue, the question of whether caste should be explicitly included in anti-discrimination laws remains contentious.[3] As the fight for equal rights continues, activists and lawmakers will grapple with finding a balance between protecting individuals from discrimination and ensuring that laws do not unfairly target specific communities.
0. “Breaking News: Gov Newsom Vetoes California Caste Bill” India Currents, 8 Oct. 2023, https://indiacurrents.com/breaking-news-gov-newsom-vetoes-california-caste-bill/
1. “Gavin Newsom vetoes bill to make California first state to end caste-based discrimination” Sacramento Bee, 7 Oct. 2023, https://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article280217779.html
2. “Newsom vetoes a proposed ban on caste discrimination in California” POLITICO, 7 Oct. 2023, https://www.politico.com/news/2023/10/07/newsom-veto-caste-discrimination-00120495
3. “Fresno becomes second US city to ban caste discrimination” The Indian Express, 1 Oct. 2023, https://indianexpress.com/article/world/fresno-ban-caste-discrimination-second-us-city-8963762/
