California has taken a bold legislative step with the passage of SB 509, a measure aimed at combating what it calls “transnational repression.” The bill, cleared by both the Senate and the Assembly, seeks to protect diaspora communities from harassment by foreign governments. But its passage has set off alarms among Indian-origin Hindu Americans, who fear the law could have the opposite effect.

The Hindu American Foundation (HAF), a Washington-based rights group, confirmed the development on September 12 in a social media post:

“Both houses of California’s state legislature just passed the highly controversial, heavily amended SB 509, that would target India and Indian Americans in mandated training about ‘transnational repression,’” HAF wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Story Highlights – Read Box

• California SB 509 Bill Passed by both houses, focusing on “transnational repression.”

• HAF Raises Alarm, warning it could silence opposition to Khalistan extremism.

• Governor Newsom Urged to Veto as critics point to risks for Indian-origin Americans.

• Mandated Training by 2027 for law enforcement on “transnational repression” tactics.

• First Amendment Questions as opponents cite lack of strong safeguards.

Inside SB 509: What the Bill Seeks to Do

SB 509 defines “transnational repression” as actions by a foreign government or its agents—physical, digital, or analog—intended to intimidate, silence, coerce, harass, or harm members of diaspora or exile communities. It labels such conduct a human rights violation and directs California to:

• Protect individuals and organizations in the state.

• Pursue prosecutions where appropriate.

• Provide support services to communities credibly targeted.

• Hold foreign governments accountable and limit their influence on state policy.

• Coordinate with federal agencies on related laws.

The bill also instructs the Office of Emergency Services to develop a “transnational repression recognition and response” training program for local and state law enforcement. The training is due by January 1, 2027, and will cover tactics, governments known to employ them, best practices for prevention, and outreach to affected communities.

Fears of Misuse and Community Backlash

HAF says that, despite amendments it helped secure, the bill remains “deeply problematic.” In a statement, the group explained:

“Proponents of this bill and previous failed versions sought to silence advocacy against the separatist Khalistan movement, deeply tied to transnational terror attacks,” HAF said.

Community leaders argue that the measure could be weaponized to label anyone tracking or criticizing violent separatist movements as being “radicalized by state-sponsored propaganda.”

India’s government has been outspoken in opposing Khalistani activism abroad. Under SB 509’s broad language, critics warn, India could be classified as a “foreign government” engaged in “transnational repression,” placing Indian-origin activists or organizations under suspicion.

Who Gets to Speak for the “Targeted Communities”?

Another sticking point is the bill’s outreach language. The amended version calls for “culturally competent outreach to diverse impacted diaspora communities and subject matter experts” to support effective law-enforcement responses.

Critics worry that Khalistani groups operating from American soil could be labeled as “communities targeted by transnational repression” and even be consulted as “community experts,” giving them a platform while sidelining Hindu Americans opposed to separatism.

The Free Speech Question

Although the bill says it will not prohibit First Amendment rights, opponents argue it lacks adequate guardrails. With no clear safeguards, they fear the measure could chill lawful advocacy and speech against violent separatism.

Governor Gavin Newsom now faces calls to veto the measure before it becomes law. Supporters of SB 509 argue it will shield vulnerable communities from foreign intimidation; opponents say it risks branding victims as perpetrators.

Why It Matters

The debate over SB 509 reflects a broader challenge in U.S. policy: how to protect diaspora communities from harassment by foreign states without undermining free speech and civic activism. For Indian-origin Hindu Americans, the law’s passage has turned that challenge into an urgent fight over their right to oppose extremism without being labeled as aggressors.

The passage of California’s SB 509 Bill highlights the growing tension between protecting diaspora communities from real threats and safeguarding their freedom to speak out. Supporters say the measure will shield vulnerable groups from foreign intimidation, while critics warn it could stigmatize Indian-origin Hindu Americans and chill lawful activism against the Khalistan movement. As Governor Gavin Newsom weighs whether to sign or veto SB 509, the debate over “transnational repression” has become a pivotal test of how far California is willing to go in balancing security with free expression.

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