Scottish Parliament Tables Historic Motion to Tackle Rising Anti-Hindu Prejudice

London: In a significant move, Ash Regan, an Alba Party Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) representing Edinburgh Eastern, has tabled a motion addressing the growing discrimination and marginalisation of Hindus in Scotland.

The motion is based on a report titled ‘Hinduphobia in Scotland’, authored by the Gandhian Peace Society, a Glasgow-based charity promoting peace and non-violence. The report was earlier presented to the Scottish Parliament’s Cross-Party Group on Challenging Racial and Religious Prejudice.

What the Motion Says

The motion, titled ‘Gandhian Peace Society’s Report to Address Prejudice Against Scotland’s Hindu Community’, applauds the Society’s work in shedding light on:

• Rising levels of prejudice and marginalisation of Hindus
• The need for interfaith dialogue and mutual respect
• The importance of inclusive public engagement

It also encourages ongoing collaboration to build a more equitable and inclusive society.

A Historic and United Response

The Gandhian Peace Society called the motion a “historic intervention” and a “landmark move for religious equality.” The motion has received cross-party support, including from MSPs Colin Beattie, Stephanie Callaghan, and Kevin Stewart.

“When places of worship are vandalised or families face slurs, it’s not just Hindus being attacked, it’s Scotland’s values of tolerance,” said Neil Lal, chairman of the Indian Council of Scotland and UK.

What the Report Reveals

Authored by Dhruva Kumar, Neil Lal, Sukhi Bains, Anuranjan Jha, and Ajit Trivedi, the ‘Hinduphobia in Scotland’ report is the first comprehensive study of its kind in the country. It details:

• Hate crimes and vandalism against temples
• Cultural insensitivity and biased teaching
• Media misrepresentation and stereotyping
• Harassment and discrimination in public spaces

“This isn’t about division; it’s about unity. By addressing Hinduphobia, we’re building bridges across all communities,” said authors Jha and Kumar.

A Call to Action

The report urges policymakers to act now to protect religious freedom and preserve Scotland’s values of tolerance and inclusion. It stresses that ignoring Hinduphobia not only harms individuals but weakens societal harmony.

As the Scottish Parliament gears up to debate this motion further, this step signals a growing awareness and commitment to combating religious discrimination and fostering true multiculturalism in Scotland.