Nevada Governor signs bill allowing religious door displays like Hindu torans and Jewish tezuzahs

Hindu, Jewish communities celebrate passage of Nevada’s religious display bill

Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo has signed Senate Bill 201 (SB 201) into law, allowing residents to display religious symbols such as the Hindu torans and Jewish mezuzahs on their doorways. The law, which ensures the protection of religious expression in residential areas, will take effect on October 1—just ahead of this year’s Diwali celebrations.

Key highlights of SB 201

The new law permits the display of religious items on doors and doorframes within dimensions of 12 by 36 inches. These displays must be placed within areas exclusively occupied by the owner or resident. The legislation also addresses the respectful treatment of such displays during property maintenance, requiring that they be stored in a way that preserves their sanctity and returned safely afterward.

Advocacy and support behind the legislation

SB 201 was introduced with bipartisan backing by Senators Pazina, Neal, Flores, Scheible, and Krasner, and Assembly members Roth and Nguyen. The bill was jointly advocated by the Hindu American Foundation (HAF) and the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), representing Hindu American and Jewish American communities, respectively.

According to HAF, the legislation marks a meaningful step for Nevada’s Hindu population, affirming their right to practice and express their faith within their homes.

Statements from community leaders

Samir Kalra, Managing Director of the Hindu American Foundation, called the bill a “significant win” for Hindus in Nevada. “It ensures residents’ right not only to observe their Hindu faith unencumbered, but also to bless their homes with the display of a toran, as their tradition requires,” he said.

ADL Desert Regional Director Jolie Brislin praised the bill for protecting religious freedom across all faiths. “This legislation ensures that individuals can display religious items at their residences without facing undue restrictions,” she said, noting the bipartisan and interfaith collaboration that helped secure the bill’s passage.

Legislative milestones

The Nevada Senate passed SB 201 on April 18, followed by approval in the Assembly on May 23. The law updates Chapter 116 of the Nevada Revised Statutes, particularly in relation to limitations often imposed by homeowners’ associations and landlords on religious symbols in residential properties.

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