Building Bridges Across Faith Communities: A Support for the Right to Worship Act

On September 16, 2026, the Las Vegas chapter of the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) organized a pivotal interfaith gathering to champion the Right to Worship Act. This important bipartisan legislation is designed to safeguard worshippers from intimidation and disruption by creating a protective buffer zone around places of worship. Despite political divisions, the event showcased a unity among various religious communities supporting this significant legislation.

The gathering took place at the Sahara West Library, attracting leaders from Hindu, Jain, Sikh, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, and Mormon communities, alongside Nevada policymakers and Congressional staff. This event was part of CoHNA's broader initiative, ‘Building Bridges and Connecting Communities,’ aiming to foster dialogue and collaboration among diverse faith groups concerning shared values and social issues.

A Unified Voice for Religious Freedom

The Right to Worship Act is a response to a troubling rise of hostility towards various religious groups. Among the speakers, Sudha Jaganathan, CoHNA’s director of government relations, outlined the purpose of the bill, emphasizing the need for peaceful worship free from external pressures. She stressed the importance of upholding the right to practice one's faith without fear, advocating for a community model that encompasses mutual respect across different beliefs.

In attendance were notable lawmakers, including Nevada Assemblywoman Heidi Kasama, who addressed the gathered community, reinforcing the need for solidarity among religious groups to fight against intimidation and to promote coexistence within the community. Martin Hernandez, a staff member for Senator Catherine Cortez Masto, and Nethmini Happawana, from Senator Jacky Rosen's office, also showed support for the legislation.

The Voices that Matter

Various speakers shared insights reflecting the diverse perspectives of the attendees. Vin Manjing, a nun from the Nevada Buddhist Association, articulated the necessity for religious communities to unite and strengthen their resolve to protect their faith. Meanwhile, B. Bhatti from the Gurdwara Guru Nanak Parkash highlighted Sikhism's core tenet of respect for all individuals, reiterating that religious freedom is essential for everyone, not just for a select few.

Byron Brooks, representing the Jewish Federation and StandWithUS of Nevada, noted a growing trend of anti-Semitism and sentiments that threaten religious safety across various communities. He urged the importance of this legislation in addressing the violent acts perpetrated against faith-based organizations.

Corey Wozniak from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints described the bill as a vital tool for protection, giving voice to those who feel vulnerable in their religious practices. He emphasized that this measure affirms the right of individuals to worship freely.

Farrah Acheson of the Nevada Muslim Caucus expressed her concern over rising Islamophobic incidents, emphasizing the importance of solidarity among all faiths to combat hostility and affirm their role in the American social fabric. She highlighted her interfaith friendships with Jewish and Hindu communities as examples of what can be achieved when diverse groups come together.

Broad Support Across the Nation

The supportive coalition extends beyond Nevada, with over 30 national organizations backing the Right to Worship Act. Prominent endorsers include the Anti-Defamation League, the Islamic Society of North America, United Sikhs, and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, to name a few. Each of these organizations recognizes the urgency and necessity of protecting the right to worship freely.

On the same day, CoHNA's chief operating officer lent support from Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., advocating for the bill during a press conference with Congressional co-leaders Reps. Tom Suozzi and Brad Knott. Here, the focus was also on the heightened acts of violence and vandalism that Hindu temples have faced in recent years, underscoring the ongoing fight against hate and the necessity for legislative support.

Looking Ahead

As the legislative process continues, the Las Vegas community remains hopeful that their representatives will prioritize the protection of religious freedoms. CoHNA's initiative illustrates an ongoing commitment to fostering interfaith dialogues and protecting the rights of all individuals to worship without fear.

This gathering in Las Vegas is a poignant reminder that communities can unite across differences to advocate for shared values of respect, understanding, and peace. By standing together, they aim to send a powerful message: everyone deserves the right to worship freely and safely—a fundamental principle that undoubtedly strengthens America's commitment to religious freedom.