Newsom Vetoes Controversial Caste Bill Amid Praise and Disappointment

California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed the controversial bill SB403, calling it "unnecessary" since discrimination laws already exist.

Hindu groups like HAF and CoHNA welcomed the veto, thanking the governor for not allowing Hinduphobia to become state policy.

They said the veto was a win for common sense and a result of months of advocacy by the Hindu American community.

The bill's supporters like Equality Labs and Indian American Muslim Council expressed disappointment at the veto.

SB403 sought to define caste as a protected category, but was called anti-Hindu since it relied on a failed lawsuit and flawed surveys.