The California State Senate unanimously approved a bill that recognises the vile Nazi emblem by its German name, Hakenkreuz, and legalises the sacrosanct Swastika symbol in the state’s penal code. Indian Americans, who make up one of the largest communities in California, have long called for such legislation. The law, which was approved last week, is currently on Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk, and if it is signed, California would become the first state to officially legalise the Swastika.
As a result of the law, California became the first state to refer to the Nazi symbol in its penal code by its actual name, the Hakenkreuz, or “hooked cross.” As a result, the swastika is now recognised by California as a revered emblem in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.
The California Assembly votes to amend the Penal Code to make the Swastika legal.
The action has been praised by the Hindu American Foundation (HAF). “We’re thrilled that we’re one step closer to making history in California by decriminalising the Swastika with the passage of AB2282 in the Senate. We thank Assembly member Bauer-Kahan for her continued leadership on this issue, and we urge the Governor to sign this historic legislation to better protect the religious practices of Hindus, Jains, Buddhists, and Zoroastrians,” HAF managing director Samir Kalra said.
The California State Senate unanimously approved a bill to recognise the vile Nazi emblem by its German name, Hakenkreuz, and to legalise the sacrosanct Swastika symbol in the state’s penal code.
Indian Americans, who make up one of the largest communities in California, have long called for such legislation.
The law, which was approved last week, is currently on Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk, and if it is signed, California would become the first state to officially legalise the Swastika. The legislation makes California the first state to recognise the Nazi emblem by its correct name, the Hakenkreuz, or “hooked cross” in its penal code. A letter supporting AB 2282 was delivered last week to California State Senate Majority Leader Bob Hertzberg by an interfaith alliance of religious leaders and organisations. A letter supporting AB 2282 was delivered last week to California State Senate Majority Leader Bob Hertzberg by an interfaith alliance of religious leaders and organisations.
