Sikh-American Congressional Caucus Formed in US
Indian Express, April 25, 2013
A bipartisan group of 28 influential lawmakers have establish the first Sikh-American Congressional Caucus in the House of Representatives, with the objective of fighting hate crimes against the community and to work towards enlisting them in the army.
Formally launched at the Capitol Hill yesterday, the first ever Sikh-American Congressional caucus is co-chaired by Congresswoman Judy Chu from the Democratic Party and David G Valadao from the Republican Party.
Attended by eminent Sikh American leaders and organisations from across the country, the lawmakers also hosted a reception at the Capitol Hill in the evening.
Sikhs are suffering because many people do not understand or are simply unfamiliar with their religion.
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The immediate past Chairwoman of the powerful House Committee on Foreign Relations, Ros-Lehtinen, said the Sikh American Caucus will raise awareness of the Sikh religion while advocating for solutions to end bullying and racial profiling, and to protect religious freedom in the workplace.
“It is time that we embraced our Sikh brothers and sisters as peaceful and productive members of the American society,” she said.
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Sikh advocacy group, United Sikh, welcomed the creation of the Sikh American Caucus. “History has been made today some 130 years after our forefathers first arrived on American shores,” said Hardayal Singh, Director of United Sikhs.
