The North American Punjabi Association (NAPA) has welcomed the introduction of the Bipartisan Sikh American Anti-Discrimination Act in the United States Congress, calling it a critical response to the continued rise in hate crimes, bias incidents, and religious discrimination targeting Sikh Americans.
Satnam Singh Chahal, Executive Director of NAPA, said recent data from federal agencies and civil rights organizations clearly show that hate motivated incidents against religious minorities, including Sikhs, are increasing across the United States. “These are not isolated events. The data confirms what our community has been experiencing on the ground more profiling, more harassment, and more violent attacks driven by ignorance and hate,” Chahal stated.
He noted that Sikh Americans remain particularly vulnerable due to visible articles of faith such as turbans and beards, making them frequent targets of misidentification and racial hostility. “When statistics repeatedly show rising hate crimes and yet communities continue to feel unsafe in schools, workplaces, and public spaces, it becomes a moral and constitutional obligation for lawmakers to act,” Chahal said.
NAPA praised the bipartisan nature of the legislation, emphasizing that combating hate should never be a partisan issue. “The introduction of this Act sends a powerful message that protecting civil rights and religious freedom transcends political divisions. It reaffirms America’s commitment to equality, dignity, and justice for all,” Chahal added.
The association urged Congress to move swiftly to pass the Act and ensure robust implementation, including improved hate-crime reporting, community outreach, and education initiatives aimed at countering stereotypes and misinformation about the Sikh faith.
“Legislation alone cannot erase hate, but it can create accountability and protection,” Chahal concluded. “At a time when hate crime statistics are moving in the wrong direction, this Act represents hope — not just for Sikh Americans, but for every community that believes in the promise of American democracy.