Sacramento, Calif.: California State Senate has unanimously passed legislation to legalize the sacred symbol of Swastika in its penal code and recognize the hateful Nazi emblem by its German name, Hakenkreuz.
The legislation, which was passed last week, now heads to Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk, which if signed, will formally make California the first state to legalize the Swastika.
California has one of the largest populations of Indian Americans, who had been seeking such a legislative action for quite some time now.
It makes California the first state to recognize the swastika as a sacred symbol in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism in its penal code. The legislation also makes California the first state to recognize the Nazi emblem by its correct name, the Hakenkreuz, or “hooked cross” in its penal code.
Last week, an interfaith coalition of religious leaders and organizations submitted a letter to California State Senate Majority Leader Bob Hertzberg, expressing their support for the legislation AB 2282.
The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) has welcomed the move. “We urge the Governor to sign this historic legislation to better protect the religious practices of Hindus, Jains, Buddhists, and Zoroastrians,” HAF managing director Samir Kalra said.
