Senate Passes Roegner Bill to Establish Sikh Awareness Month

COLUMBUS—The Ohio Senate passed a bill today sponsored by State Senator Kristina Roegner (R-Hudson) that would designate April as “Sikh Awareness Month.” Sikhism is a religion that originated in the Punjab region of India over 500 years ago. “Sikh” means “someone who learns” and “a disciple.” 

“As a Christian, I am thankful that we still have the freedom in this country to worship publicly and I recognize that this is not the case in many other parts of the world,” said Roegner. “As Americans, we must defend these constitutional rights for everyone – it makes our nation truly unique and free.”

Sikhs have made remarkable contributions to our society but have suffered an increase in hate crimes since Sept. 11, 2021, due to a lack of knowledge of their culture. Sikh men traditionally wear a turban to signify honor, faith, and brotherhood. Hate crimes against Sikhs are exceedingly hurtful considering their ancestors came here nearly 150 years ago from British India to escape discrimination and persecution. 

"This legislation is important to many of my constituents because Northeast Ohio has one of the densest Sikh populations in the Midwest, and the 27th Senate District is home to two Sikh places of learning and worship," said Roegner. "It has been a pleasure to get to know the Sikh community within my district."

Senate Bill 24 will help ensure that Sikh-Americans' countless contributions to civic life in Ohio and the United States are acknowledged and cherished and that the Sikh community can continue to proudly be a part of the American story for many generations to come.