Newsom rejects California anti-caste discrimination bill.
California Governor Vetoes Bill to Include Caste as Protected Anti-Discrimination Category
California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill on October 7 that aimed to add caste as a protected category in anti-discrimination laws. The bill, Senate Bill 403, had been approved by the state Legislature and presented to the governor for approval. However, Newsom stated in his veto message that discrimination based on caste is already prohibited under existing law.
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In response to the veto, Senator Aisha Wahab, the bill’s author, expressed a different view. She stated that the legislation was necessary to address incidents of caste discrimination that persist in various communities across California. Wahab emphasized the need for more explicit laws to protect these communities, especially in a time when civil rights are being eroded.
The caste system, an ancient social hierarchy originating in India, categorized Hindus into different groups. Those excluded from the primary groups were referred to as Dalits or “untouchables.” While India officially banned caste-based discrimination in 1948, recent studies indicate that biases related to caste still exist in both India and the United States.
Supporters of the bill expressed disappointment with the governor’s decision, highlighting the progress made in raising awareness about caste discrimination. However, opponents of the bill commended the veto, arguing that it would harm the very population it aimed to protect.
The issue of caste discrimination among Indians in the United States gained prominence in 2020 when a lawsuit was filed against Cisco Systems, alleging pay disparities and limited opportunities based on caste status. While the lawsuit was ultimately dismissed, it sparked discussions on caste discrimination in both the United States and India.
Earlier this year, Seattle became the first U.S. city to prohibit caste discrimination through a city council decision.
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The bill, introduced by Senator Ash Kalra, aimed to add caste, which refers to the hereditary social status system in South Asia, as a protected category alongside race, sex, religion, and other characteristics in California’s anti-discrimination laws. It aimed to provide legal protection against discrimination and harassment based on an individual’s caste background.
However, Governor Newsom rejected the bill, stating that existing law already prohibits discrimination based on caste. In his veto message, Newsom acknowledged the importance of addressing discrimination and stated that caste-based discrimination should be challenged and eradicated. However, he argued that California’s anti-discrimination laws, which include protections against discrimination based on ancestry and national origin, already offer sufficient protection against caste-based discrimination.
Newsom’s decision to veto the bill has sparked mixed reactions. Supporters of the bill argue that explicitly including caste as a protected category would strengthen legal protections and send a strong message against discrimination. They believe that caste-based discrimination is a distinct form of discrimination that requires specific attention and protection. They argue that despite existing laws, caste discrimination continues to persist in various contexts.
Opponents of the bill, on the other hand, applaud Newsom’s decision, stating that current laws are sufficient to protect individuals from discrimination based on their ancestry or national origin. They argue that explicitly including caste as a protected category could create confusion and difficulty in enforcement. They believe that California’s anti-discrimination laws should focus on broader protection against various forms of discrimination, rather than singling out a specific social status system.
While Newsom’s veto may come as a disappointment to some, it highlights the ongoing discussions and debates around caste and discrimination in California and beyond. It also emphasizes the importance of continued efforts to address and eradicate all forms of discrimination in society.
Overall, the vetoed bill brings attention to the need for comprehensive and inclusive anti-discrimination laws that protect individuals from all forms of discrimination, while also acknowledging the unique challenges posed by specific social status systems such as caste. Moving forward, it will be crucial for lawmakers, activists, and community leaders to engage in productive discussions and work towards a more equitable and inclusive society for all.
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