The council of Mississauga, a city in Canada’s Ontario, passed a resolution to officially recognize anti-Hindu hate in the wake of several Hinduphobic attacks in the city. As the city council took a stand against racism, antisemitism, Islamophobia and all forms of hate and discrimination, it emerged as equally important to recognize and denounce anti-Hindu hate, the resolution said. The official resolution noted that though Mississauga is home to one of Canada’s largest Hindu communities, incidents of anti-Hindu hate have been frequent, inlcuding vandalism of temples, targeted misinformation and online harassment about local Hindu events and harassment of Hindu students in local schools.The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) welcomed a historic resolution passed by Mississauga City Council. The motion acknowledged that Mississauga is home to one of Canada’s largest Hindu communities and noted that incidents of temple vandalism, misinformation and harassment of Hindu students had created anxiety among residents. It reaffirmed the city’s commitment to protecting freedom of religion and belief for all as enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.The motion, supported by the Mayor and Council, called for collaboration with Peel Regional Police, the City’s Combating Racism, Discrimination and Hatred Advisory Committee and interfaith organisations to develop education and outreach initiatives to counter anti-Hindu hate. Copies of the resolution will also be shared with Mississauga’s MPs, MPPs and local Hindu organisations to further this commitment to inclusion and mutual respect.“As a council, we have already recognised antisemitism and Islamophobia,” said Councillor Deepika Damerla, who had introduced the motion. “This isn’t about setting a new precedent — it’s about applying the same principle of fairness. There is real, systemic anti-Hindu hate that too often goes unnamed and unchallenged. When we name something, we shame it — and that’s how change begins.”The move comes amid growing concerns over rising anti-Hindu hate across Canada, including violent attacks on Hindu devotees, repeated vandalism of temples and online harassment campaigns. A recent study by the Institute for Strategic Dialogue (ISD) found a 227% rise in hate crimes targeting South Asians (primarily Hindus) between 2019 and 2023, alongside thousands of posts using anti-Hindu slurs, while a 2021 Rutgers University report warned of the spread of Hinduphobia online.“Mississauga is home to one of Canada’s largest Hindu communities, and it’s our duty as a city to make sure every resident feels safe and respected,” said Mayor Carolyn Parrish. “By recognising anti-Hindu hate, we’re sending a clear message to our schools, universities, and institutions that discrimination in any form has no place in Mississauga.”Councillor Joe Horneck, who had seconded the motion, explained that “it never hurts to call things out and name them. When people in our community say they feel affected by hate, Council has a responsibility to acknowledge that pain. Symbols matter — and today’s vote reaffirms that Mississauga stands firmly against all forms of hate, including Hinduphobia.”The CoHNA team, which was present to speak at the meeting, celebrated this historic recognition. “This is a powerful message from one of Canada’s largest cities—that Hinduphobia has no place in our country,” said Rishabh Sarswat, president of CoHNA Canada. “We have been working with lawmakers to educate and ask for recognition of hate against Hindus. With their action, the Mississauga City Council has offered a public assurance to its residents and we deeply appreciate their leadership in reaffirming our community’s right to safety, dignity, and equal protection.”The resolution was passed as the Hindu community marked the one-year anniversary of the medieval style invasions of Hindu temples on Nov 3-2024, a day of violence that sent the Hindu community into deep shock across the country.Following Wainwright, Alberta’s landmark proclamation last month, Mississauga’s action marks another milestone in the growing North American movement to formally recognise and combat Hinduphobia. Across the US and Canada, several municipalities have begun passing similar measures to protect Hindu communities and promote mutual understanding. In 2023, the state of Georgia became the first US jurisdiction to pass a county resolution condemning anti-Hindu bigotry—an initiative spearheaded by CoHNA’s Atlanta chapter and supported by a bipartisan group of lawmakers.CoHNA encourages municipalities interested in adopting similar measures to reach out for guidance and resources. Community leaders seeking to strengthen protections against religious discrimination can contact CoHNA to access template proclamations and advocacy support.
