UNITED STATES. California: California is on track to potentially becoming the first U.S. state to prohibit caste discrimination, as a bill aiming to ban this practice successfully cleared the California Assembly on Monday.
The laws against discrimination in the United States specifically prohibit ancestry discrimination, but they do not address caste-based discrimination. However, California’s legislation aims to address the caste system within South Asian immigrant communities by including caste as a protected category under the state’s anti-discrimination laws.
State Senator Aisha Wahab, an Afghan American Democrat, introduced and authored the bill in March. It went through revisions after an initial passage in the state Senate.
On Monday, the state assembly approved the law with a vote that was almost entirely unanimous. The updated version will now return to the state Senate for a vote, where it is predicted to pass before going to Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk to be signed into law.
Advocates against caste discrimination argue that it’s comparable to other types of discrimination, such as racism, and therefore should be made illegal.
The effort to combat the caste system in North America has gained momentum in recent months.
Earlier this year, Seattle became the inaugural U.S. city to prohibit caste-based discrimination following a city council decision. Additionally, Toronto’s school board acknowledged the presence of caste discrimination within the city’s schools, marking a pioneering step in Canada.
This concern holds particular significance for Americans of Indian origin and the Hindu community.
The caste system stands as one of humanity’s oldest examples of inflexible social hierarchy, dating back millennia. While offering numerous advantages to higher castes, it oppresses those in lower castes. Among these, the Dalit community occupies the lowest echelon, enduring the label of “untouchables.”
Though India officially banned caste-based discrimination more than 70 years ago, recent research indicates that prejudice still endures. A study demonstrated that individuals belonging to lower castes remain underrepresented in higher-paying employment opportunities.
Dalits continue to encounter prevalent mistreatment throughout India, where instances of forceful suppression have hindered their endeavours for social advancement.
The caste system controversy is divisive and tied to religion both in India and overseas. While some argue that instances of discrimination have become infrequent, particularly beyond India’s borders, others contend otherwise.
Notably, policies implemented by the Indian government to allocate seats for students from lower castes in prestigious Indian universities have resulted in numerous individuals securing technology-related positions in Western countries in recent times.
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