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Though SB 509 did not name specific countries, debate around the bill has inflamed political divisions among South Asian groups in California. Three Sikh organizations, alongside progressive Indian and Kashmiri advocacy groups, stressed that the bill would protect vulnerable immigrant and refugee communities in the state. While one Sikh organization had opposed the bill, the most vocal criticism came from two influential Hindu advocacy organizations: Hindu American Foundation (HAF) and the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA). In their joint campaign, they argued that Hindus’ political speech would be criminalized should it align with the Indian government, including criticisms of the Khalistan movement that some Sikhs advocate for.