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California Congresswoman Zoe Lofgen has added herself as a co-sponsor to the Sikh American Anti-Discrimination Act of 2025, a press release reported.
The bill, introduced on Jan. 15, 2025, by New Jersey Congressman Josh Gottheimer, would establish a Task Force on Anti-Sikh Discrimination within the U.S. Department of Justice, IndicaNews reported.
This task force would create a formal federal definition of anti-Sikh hate, develop an educational program on anti-Sikh discrimination for schools and law enforcement, and issue an annual report on hate crime statistics. It would also engage directly with Sikh communities and advocacy groups, according to the press release.
“No religious community should ever feel afraid to worship in America,” Rep. Lofgren said. “Sikh Americans have faced increased discrimination and hate crimes, and it’s necessary for the Department of Justice to elevate its attention to this issue. I’m proud to represent a large Sikh community in San Jose, and I will do everything in my power to ensure the federal government combats anti-Sikh discrimination.”
Gottheimer told AP 7 AM that he created this legislation after hearing from Sikh families and community leaders in New Jersey.
“The bipartisan Sikh American Anti-Discrimination Act will turn those conversations into action — strengthening how our federal government defines, tracks, and prevents anti-Sikh hate crimes so that every American can practice their faith freely and safely,” he said.
Lofgen currently acts as the vice chair of the American Sikh Congressional Caucus. She represents a large Sikh community in San Jose, which used to have one of the largest Sikh worship houses outside of India, the press release stated.
The bill, named H.R. 7100, is supported by many national Sikh organizations, IndiacNews reported. It is also co-sponsored by 12 other U.S. representatives.
This report was originally published in AsAmNews.