Washington, Jan 24 (NationPress) A new piece of legislation aimed at enhancing the federal response to anti-Sikh discrimination and hate crimes is building bipartisan support in the US House of Representatives, with Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren stepping in as a co-sponsor.

The Sikh American Anti-Discrimination Act of 2025, designated as H.R. 7100, has gained the backing of Lofgren, a Democrat from California and vice chair of the American Sikh Congressional Caucus. Congressman Josh Gottheimer from New Jersey introduced this bill earlier this month.

“No religious community should ever feel afraid to worship in America,” Lofgren stated. “Sikh Americans have endured heightened discrimination and hate crimes, and it is critical for the Department of Justice to prioritize this issue. I am honored to represent a vibrant Sikh community in San Jose, and I will do everything in my capacity to ensure the federal government confronts anti-Sikh discrimination.

Gottheimer emphasized that the legislation addresses concerns expressed by Sikh families and community leaders. “After engaging with Sikh families and community leaders in North Jersey, it is evident that Congress must take decisive action,” he remarked. “The bipartisan Sikh American Anti-Discrimination Act will transform those conversations into concrete action — enhancing how our federal government defines, monitors, and prevents anti-Sikh hate crimes so that every American can practice their faith freely and safely.”

If passed, the proposed legislation would mandate the Department of Justice to create a Task Force on Anti-Sikh Discrimination, tasked with formulating a formal federal definition of anti-Sikh hate. This task force would also develop educational initiatives for schools, law enforcement, and higher education institutions, while providing Congress with an annual report on hate crimes and discrimination against Sikh Americans.

The sponsors believe that the task force, as described in the bill, would actively engage with Sikh communities and advocacy organizations to inform prevention strategies and enforcement actions.

National Sikh organizations have expressed their support for this legislation, including the Sikh Coalition, the Sikh American Legal Defence and Education Fund (SALDEF), and the American Sikh Caucus Committee. Advocates stress the necessity for federal action to combat anti-Sikh discrimination and urge lawmakers to pass this vital bill, highlighting the urgency for immediate progress.