Mississauga, ON, November 5, 2025: Mississauga City Council adopted a landmark resolution recognizing and condemning Hinduphobia, becoming the second Canadian city to formally address anti-Hindu hate. The decision holds national significance for Canada’s multicultural framework and advances a principled commitment to protect freedom of religion and belief for all residents, as affirmed by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. In a city with one of the country’s largest Hindu communities, the resolution underscores a broader ethic of interfaith respect aligned with the shared values of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism.
The motion acknowledges rising concerns in Mississauga related to temple vandalism, misinformation, and the harassment of students. By identifying these harms clearly, Council reinforces that every person—irrespective of faith—deserves dignity, safety, and equal protection. Community members who volunteer at mandirs, parents who worry about campus climate, and small business owners who navigate daily interactions will recognize this step as both practical and validating of lived experiences.
Supported by the Mayor and Council, the resolution calls for collaboration with Peel Regional Police, the City’s Combating Racism, Discrimination and Hatred Advisory Committee, and interfaith organizations. The City will prioritize education and outreach initiatives to counter anti-Hindu hate, while sharing the resolution with local MPs, MPPs, and Hindu organizations to enhance awareness and accountability. These measures embed prevention and partnership into municipal practice, aligning public safety with intercultural understanding.
“As a council, we have already recognized antisemitism and Islamophobia,” said Councillor Deepika Damerla, who had introduced the motion. “This isn’t about setting a new precedent — it’s about applying the same principle of fairness. There is real, systemic anti-Hindu hate that too often goes unnamed and unchallenged. When we name something, we shame it — and that’s how change begins.”
The resolution is grounded in data and contemporary trends. Across Canada, anti-Hindu hate has drawn attention due to violent attacks on devotees, repeated vandalism of temples, and online harassment campaigns. A study by the Institute for Strategic Dialogue reported a 227% rise in hate crimes targeting South Asians (primarily Hindus) between 2019 and 2023, alongside the proliferation of anti-Hindu slurs. A 2021 Rutgers University report similarly warned about the spread of Hinduphobia online. These findings reinforce the need for public institutions, schools, and universities to adopt prevention-focused strategies that safeguard pluralism.
“Mississauga is home to one of Canada’s largest Hindu communities, and it’s our duty as a city to make sure every resident feels safe and respected,” said Mayor Carolyn Parrish. “By recognizing anti-Hindu hate, we’re sending a clear message to our schools, universities, and institutions that discrimination in any form has no place in Mississauga.” Councillor Joe Horneck, who seconded the motion, added: “it never hurts to call things out and name them. When people in our community say they feel affected by hate, Council has a responsibility to acknowledge that pain. Symbols matter — and today’s vote reaffirms that Mississauga stands firmly against all forms of hate, including Hinduphobia.”
The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) welcomed the resolution and emphasized its national importance. “This is a powerful message from one of Canada’s largest cities—that Hinduphobia has no place in our country,” said Rishabh Sarswat, president of CoHNA Canada. “We have been working with lawmakers to educate and ask for recognition of hate against Hindus. With their action, the Mississauga City Council has offered a public assurance to its residents and we deeply appreciate their leadership in reaffirming our community’s right to safety, dignity, and equal protection.”
The timing of the resolution adds further resonance. It was passed as the Hindu community marked one year since the coordinated incursions into Hindu temples on November 3, 2024—events that left families and congregations across Canada in deep shock. For many residents, this vote signals institutional recognition and care, translating grief into constructive policy and long-term safeguards.
Mississauga’s action follows Wainwright, Alberta’s recent proclamation condemning Hinduphobia and aligns with a growing North American movement to formally counter anti-Hindu hate. In 2023, the state of Georgia became the first US jurisdiction to pass a county-level resolution condemning anti-Hindu bigotry, supported by a bipartisan group of lawmakers. Together, these initiatives advance a broader civic agenda of religious harmony that resonates with dharmic traditions and strengthens interfaith cooperation.
The resolution’s educational focus invites residents, schools, and community organizations to build shared literacy around religious discrimination. By centering prevention, partnership with Peel Regional Police, and interfaith dialogue, Mississauga situates public policy within a humane framework that prioritizes safety, inclusion, and the flourishing of diverse spiritual paths. This approach promotes unity not only within Hindu communities but also across the broader tapestry of Buddhist, Jain, and Sikh traditions in Canada.
Inspired by this post on CoHNA.
