Top American lawmakers express outrage over vandalism of NY temple

Hate has no place on Long Island or anywhere else in New York or across America, says Senate Majority Leader Senator Chuck Schumer

Washington: More than two dozen top American lawmakers have expressed outrage over the recent vandalism of a Hindu temple in New York, which came days ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s visit to the US.

The road and the signage outside the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Melville, New York, were sprayed with expletives on Monday. Melville is located in Suffolk County, on Long Island and is about 28 kilometres from the 16,000-seater Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, where Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to address a mega community event on September 22.

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“The desecration of this Hindu house of worship is vile. Hate has no place on Long Island or anywhere else in New York or across America,” Senate Majority Leader Senator Chuck Schumer said.

“I am deeply saddened by the desecration of the BAPS Mandir in Melville, NY. This act of vandalism is a clear attempt to incite hatred against Hindus and has no place in our country. We must come together to show that love and understanding will always triumph over intolerance and division,” Congressman Rich McCormick said.

“It is upsetting to see the hateful vandalism of the BAPS Hindu Temple in Melville, New York. I’m wishing our Hindu community strength and peace in the face of this unacceptable display of intolerance. Standing together, we can remain stronger than hate,” said lawmaker Andy Kim.

Congressman Brad Sherman said the vandalism of the temple is not only a “vile act of hate” against the Hindu community but also an “unjust attack on our shared value of religious pluralism”. “I stand with Hindu Americans. Those responsible must be prosecuted to the law’s fullest extent,” he said.

“Hate has no home in our community. That was the unified message from more than a dozen of my fellow elected officials and me in response to the hateful, intolerant graffiti and vandalism at the BAPS Hindu Temple in Melville,” said Congressman Nick LaLota.

“Our great nation was founded on the principles of religious and political freedom, and I’m proud to see leaders from both parties swiftly come together to support the BAPS community during this difficult time,” he said.

Congresswoman Michelle Steel strongly condemned the “hateful act of vandalism” targeting the Hindu community in New York. “Now more than ever, Americans must unify behind the values of decency and respect for one another,” she said.

“No one should face fear due to their faith. I strongly condemn the recent attacks on BAPS Mandir in New York. Standing in solidarity with our BAPS community and united against all forms of hate,” lawmaker Glenn Grothman said. Congressman Buddy Carter said that religious prejudice is “not welcome” in America.