California Governor Vetoes Bill Banning Caste Discrimination

California Governor Gavin Newsom has vetoed a bill that aimed to outlaw caste-based discrimination in the state, making California the first U.S. state to do so. Newsom argued that the bill was unnecessary as existing laws already prohibit discrimination based on various characteristics. Proponents of the bill, including Dalit rights groups, had been pushing for legal protections against caste discrimination, citing instances of bias in housing, education, and the tech sector. Opponents, including some Hindu groups, claimed the legislation was unconstitutional and would unfairly target Hindus and people of Indian descent. The issue has caused divisions within the Indian American community.