US senate unanimously passes resolution condemning hate crimes

Resolution cites violent incidents targeting Muslim, African-American, Hindu, Sikh and Jewish communities in US

WASHINGTON: The United States senate recently passed a resolution condemning ethnic, religious and racial hate crimes in the country.

US Senators Kamala Harris, Marco Rubio, Susan Collins and Dianne Feinstein introduced a bipartisan resolution on April 6 condemning discrimination, hate crimes and other forms of attitude targeting individuals and communities across the country.



The resolution cites violent incidents targeting Muslim, African-American, Hindu, Sikh and Jewish communities and mentioned burning of mosques and Islamic centres, and vandalism of Jewish cemeteries, bomb threats against Jewish community centres.

The bipartisan resolution called on federal law enforcement to probe credible reports of these occurrences in the US, hold perpetrators accountable, and bring them to justice.

It also called on the officials to offer assistance to victims and improve security at places of worship and other institutions of any faith that have been targeted.

“In America, no one should live in fear due to their religion, race, or ethnicity,” said Senator Harris.

“I am proud to lead this bipartisan group of senators with one voice to condemn the rise of hate crimes that target minority communities, as well as any form of religious or ethnic bias, racism, discrimination, or other forms of hate. Many of our constituents have been directly impacted by the unconscionable rise of hate crimes and hate-motivated violence in the US, and law enforcement must do more to ensure minority communities are secure. Today, we stand united in our condemnation and rejection of hate-motivated crimes as an attack on the fabric of American society and the ideals of pluralism and respect.”



Senator Collins said, “The recent rise in the number of hate crimes is truly troubling and is counter to American values. No individual in our society should have to live in fear of violence or experience discrimination.”

“Our resolution sheds light on these cowardly acts and calls on law enforcement officials to thoroughly investigate hate crimes and take steps to prevent these heinous incidents from occurring,” she added.

“Over the past year, we’ve seen an appalling increase in hate crimes against Muslims, Jews, LGBT individuals and other minorities,” said Senator Feinstein.

“The rise in hate crimes is due, in part, to the perception that people in positions of power are indifferent and do not prioritise protecting the rights of all Americans. We must stand together to make clear that hate has no place in our country and these vicious crimes will be investigated with the seriousness that’s demanded.”

“Embracing diversity of thought and people from different backgrounds has made America a more perfect union,” said Senator Rubio.



“Unfortunately, there are still some individuals who seek to tear our social fabric apart with violent acts and threats fuelled by hatred. With many in our country and around the world feeling discouraged by this divisiveness and animosity, it’s important to make it clear that we stand united in condemning the targeting of anyone simply because they are different.”

Despite the resolution, the number of hate crime incidents is on a rise in the US. This Thursday, a United Airlines passenger was dragged from a plane in Chicago in an incident that sparked international outrage and turned into a corporate public relations nightmare.