Lofgren Supports Legislation to Combat Anti-Sikh Discrimination

WASHINGTON, DC - Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), a vice chair of the American Sikh Congressional Caucus, has added her name as a co-sponsor to H.R. 7100, the Sikh American Anti-Discrimination Act of 2025. The bill was introduced in the House on January 15^th by Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05).

"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."

"After listening directly to Sikh families and community leaders in North Jersey it is clear that Congress has to take decisive action," said Rep. Gottheimer. "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."

The Sikh American Anti-Discrimination Act would establish a Task Force on Anti-Sikh Discrimination within the U.S. Department of Justice, tasked with creating a formal federal definition of anti-Sikh hate; developing an educational program on anti-Sikh discrimination for schools, law enforcement, and higher education institutions; issuing an annual report to Congress on hate crimes and discrimination targeting Sikh Americans; and engaging directly with Sikh communities and advocacy organizations to inform prevention and enforcement efforts.

The legislation is supported by national Sikh organizations, including the Sikh Coalition, Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), and American Sikh Caucus Committee.

Rep. Lofgren represents a significant Sikh community in San Jose. The largest Sikh house of worship outside of India, Gurdwara Sahib of San Jose, was formerly located in the district represented by Lofgren, and following 2022 redistricting, is less than half a mile outside of California's 18th district.

The bill text can be found here(link is external).

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