The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) has welcomed a historic resolution passed by the Mississauga City Council on November 5, 2025, formally recognizing and condemning anti-Hindu hate. The move makes Mississauga the second city in Canada to take a clear stance against the growing issue of Hinduphobia.

According to a CoHNA’s statement, the resolution acknowledges that Mississauga is home to one of the largest Hindu communities in Canada and that recent incidents of “temple vandalism, misinformation, and harassment of Hindu students” have caused fear and anxiety among residents. The motion reaffirms the city’s commitment to protecting freedom of religion and belief for all, as guaranteed by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Supported by Mayor Carolyn Parrish and the City Council, the motion calls for collaboration with Peel Regional Police, the City’s Combating Racism, Discrimination and Hatred Advisory Committee, and local interfaith organizations to develop education and outreach initiatives aimed at countering anti-Hindu hate. Copies of the resolution will also be shared with Mississauga’s MPs, MPPs, and community organizations to further promote inclusion and mutual respect, added the statement. 

“As a council, we have already recognized antisemitism and Islamophobia,” said Councilor Deepika Damerla, who 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 comes amid heightened concern over rising anti-Hindu sentiment across Canada, including violent attacks on devotees, repeated acts of temple vandalism, and online harassment. A recent report by the Institute for Strategic Dialogue (ISD) recorded a 227% increase in hate crimes targeting South Asians, primarily Hindus, between 2019 and 2023, while a 2021 Rutgers University study warned of the spread of Hinduphobia on digital platforms.

“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.”

Councilor Joe Horneck, who seconded the motion, emphasized the importance of acknowledgment. “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.”

Members of CoHNA attended the council meeting to express their support. “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 resolution was passed as the Hindu community marked the one-year anniversary of the November 3, 2024, attacks on several temples across Canada – incidents that left many reeling in shock and disbelief.

Following Wainwright, Alberta’s historic proclamation last month, Mississauga’s resolution marks another milestone in the broader North American effort to recognize and combat Hinduphobia. Across Canada and the United States, several municipalities have begun adopting similar measures to strengthen protections for Hindu communities and promote interfaith understanding.

In 2023, the State of Georgia became the first U.S. jurisdiction to pass a county-level resolution condemning anti-Hindu bigotry – an initiative led by CoHNA’s Atlanta chapter with bipartisan legislative support.

CoHNA has encouraged other municipalities to consider similar steps and offers guidance and resources for community leaders interested in adopting comparable resolutions. The organization provides template proclamations and advocacy support for strengthening local efforts against religious discrimination.

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