California caste bill sparks free speech fights as lawsuits already target employers

Critics say banning caste discrimination could target religion

A proposed California bill targeting caste discrimination has met fierce backlash, with opponents arguing it is unnecessary and risks infringing free speech and religious freedom. They claim caste is tightly linked to religious practices and that existing anti-discrimination laws already cover most cases. Yet past lawsuits in California show employers have faced allegations of caste discrimination.