India, April 12 -- The US state of Georgia has introduced a bill to formally recognise Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu prejudice, media reports said.

It is the first US state to take such an initiative.

If it becomes law, the penal code in Georgia will be updated and consequently enable law enforcement agencies to consider Hinduphobia and take appropriate action, reported Wion News.

The introduction of the bill became significant since Indian-origin lawmakers have been voicing concerns over rise in Hindu-hatred cases in the country.

The bill, SB 375, dated April 4, was introduced in the Georgia General Assembly, the state legislature, and its sponsors include both Democrats and Republicans, reported Wion.

The four sponsors of the bill are...