Mississauga recognizes anti-Hindu hate officially. Canadian city joins growing movement to protect Hindu community.
Mississauga City Council unanimously passed a historic resolution formally recognizing anti-Hindu hate as a distinct form of discrimination deserving protection and remedy. Councillor Deepika Damerla introduced the motion with strong support from Mayor Carolyn Parrish and all council members. The resolution emerged after frequent incidents including temple vandalism, targeted misinformation, online harassment about Hindu events, and harassment of Hindu students in local schools targeting the city’s large Hindu community.
The Coalition of Hindus of North America celebrated the historic action, noting it reaffirms Mississauga’s commitment to protecting freedom of religion and belief as enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The council will collaborate with Peel Regional Police, the city’s Combating Racism, Discrimination and Hatred Advisory Committee, and interfaith organizations to develop education and outreach initiatives countering anti-Hindu hate. A recent study by the Institute for Strategic Dialogue found a 227 percent rise in hate crimes targeting South Asians, primarily Hindus, between 2019 and 2023.
Following Wainwright, Alberta’s landmark proclamation last month, Mississauga marks another milestone in the growing North American movement formally recognizing and combating Hinduphobia. In 2023, Georgia became the first US jurisdiction to pass a county resolution condemning anti-Hindu bigotry. Canada’s largest cities are now publicly affirming Hindu rights and dignity.
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