Bill Text: NJ ACR153 | 2026-2027 | Regular Session | Introduced

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Bill Title: Urges Congress to pass "Sikh American Anti-Discrimination Act of 2026."

Sponsorship: Partisan Bill (Democrat 3)

Status: (Introduced) 2026-06-15 - Introduced, Referred to Assembly Oversight, Reform and Federal Relations Committee [ACR153 Detail]

Download: New_Jersey-2026-ACR153-Introduced.html

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ASSEMBLY CONCURRENT RESOLUTION No. 153

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

222nd LEGISLATURE

 

INTRODUCED JUNE 15, 2026

 

 

Sponsored by:

Assemblywoman  CAROL A. MURPHY

District 7 (Burlington)

Assemblyman  RAVI S. BHALLA

District 32 (Hudson)

Assemblyman  ANTHONY ANGELOZZI

District 8 (Atlantic and Burlington)

 

 

 

 

SYNOPSIS

     Urges Congress to pass "Sikh American Anti-Discrimination Act of 2026."

 

CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT

     As introduced.

  

A Concurrent Resolution urging Congress to pass the "Sikh American Anti-Discrimination Act of 2026."

 

Whereas, New Jersey is enriched by the cultural diversity of its residents, as people of all faiths have made this State their home; and

Whereas, The Sikh community plays an integral, though often overlooked, role in strengthening the religious, social, and political fabric of this State; and

Whereas, Sikhism is the world's fifth-largest religion with an estimated 30 million adherents worldwide, including approximately one million in the United States and approximately 100,000 in New Jersey; and

Whereas, Founded by Guru Nanak in the Punjab region of India during the 15th century, the Sikh spiritual tradition is rooted in the belief that every person, regardless of race, gender, sex, or creed, is equal before God; and

Whereas, The principles of peace, equality and fraternity are central to the Sikh religion as it was founded in response to social injustice, religious intolerance, and societal division; and

Whereas, Sikh Americans are commonly identified by wearing turbans or iron bracelets known as karas or by having long beards or mustaches; and

Whereas, Cultural and religious illiteracy, coupled with a distinct visible identity has often led to xenophobic violence against Sikhs; and

Whereas, In 2024, the Federal Bureau of Investigation reported that Sikhs were the third-most targeted religious group in the United States despite comprising less than one percent of the national population; and

Whereas, This disproportionate targeting of Sikhs underscores both the prevalence and severity of anti-Sikh hate and discrimination nationwide; and

Whereas, The "Sikh American Anti-Discrimination Act of 2026," currently pending in the United States Congress, creates a task force within the United States Department of Justice to examine the prevalence of and combat anti-Sikh hate and discrimination; and

Whereas, Addressing the persistent discrimination, harassment, and violence against Sikh Americans requires the passage of the "Sikh American Anti-Discrimination Act of 2026" to create the necessary task force focused specifically on combatting anti-Sikh hate and discrimination in all forms; now, therefore,

 

     Be It Resolved by the General Assembly of the State of New Jersey (the Senate concurring):

 

     1.  The Legislature of the State of New Jersey respectfully urges Congress to pass the "Sikh American Anti-Discrimination Act of 2026."

     2.  Copies of this resolution, as filed with the Secretary of State, shall be transmitted by the Clerk of the General Assembly or the Secretary of the Senate to the Majority and Minority Leaders of the United States Senate, the Speaker and Minority Leader of the United States House of Representatives, every member of the New Jersey Congressional delegation, and the Sikh Youth Alliance.

 

 

STATEMENT

 

     This resolution respectfully urges Congress to pass the "Sikh American Anti-Discrimination Act of 2026," which would create a task force within the United States Department of Justice to examine the prevalence of and combat anti-Sikh hate and discrimination.  The act is currently pending in the United States Congress.

     Sikhism is the world's fifth-largest religion with an estimated 30 million adherents worldwide, including approximately one million in the United States and approximately 100,000 in New Jersey.  Sikhs are commonly identified by wearing turbans or iron bracelets known as karas, or by having long beards or mustaches.

     Cultural and religious illiteracy, coupled with a distinct visible identity has often led to xenophobic violence against Sikhs.  In 2024, the Federal Bureau of Investigation reported that Sikhs were the third-most targeted religious group in the United States despite comprising less than one percent of the national population.  The disproportionate targeting of Sikhs underscores both the prevalence and severity of anti-Sikh hate and discrimination nationwide.  Addressing the persistent discrimination, harassment, and violence against Sikhs requires the passage of the "Sikh American Anti-Discrimination Act of 2026" to create the necessary task force focused specifically on combatting anti-Sikh hate and discrimination in all forms.  New Jersey is proud of its rich cultural diversity and the Sikh community plays an integral role in strengthening the religious, social, and political fabric of this State.