South Asian activists call Calif. governor's vetoing of caste bill 'heartbreaking'
NBCSep 25, 2023
Calf. Gov. Newsom Vetoes Law Banning Caste Discrimination
Image copyright: Office of the Governor of California [via Wikimedia Commons]
The Facts
California Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill Saturday that would have explicitly banned caste discrimination in the state, calling the bill "unnecessary" while citing various California laws that prohibit discrimination based on ancestry.
The bill, Senate Bill 403, was introduced by Democratic state Sen. Aisha Wahab and passed California’s Assembly by a 55-3 vote and in the Senate by 31-5. The bill was amended several times to gain support in the chambers.
The Spin
Narrative A
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s decision to veto the bill that would prohibit caste-based discrimination is a major setback in the fight for civil rights and equality. While Newsome and other opponents of the bill claim that existing laws include caste discrimination, the fact is that marginalized people still experience harassment and exclusion based on their inherited social position. There is no reason to not fortify and broaden anti-discrimination policies, but civil rights advocates will continue to fight for the oppressed.
Narrative B
Gov. Newsom made the correct decision to veto a bill that would have stigmatized Indian Americans and misrepresented Hindu beliefs. While some claim SB403 would decrease discrimination against Indians and other South Asians, the fact is that it would have increased the level of discrimination in California. South Asia is an incredibly diverse region, and a blanket caste law would misrepresent many people. Discrimination is already prohibited, and there was no reason to create confusing categories in this new bill.