Senate Unanimously Passes Harris, Rubio, Feinstein, and Collins' Bipartisan Resolution Condemning Ethnic, Religious & Racial Hate Crimes

Statement

U.S. Senators Kamala D. Harris (D-CA), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), and Susan Collins (R-ME) introduced a bipartisan resolution condemning racial, religious and ethnic hate crimes, as well as all forms of bias and discrimination, incitement to violence, and other forms of animus targeting these communities across the United States. Following its introduction, the resolution unanimously passed the Senate last night.

The bipartisan resolution cites the increase in violent incidents targeting Jewish, Muslim, African-American, Hindu, and Sikh communities, among others, in recent years. It also mentions hate crimes and hate-inspired incidents such as the vandalism of Jewish cemeteries, bomb threats targeting Jewish community centers, and burning of mosques and Islamic centers.

The resolution calls on federal law enforcement, working with state and local officials, to investigate all credible reports of these hate crimes, incidents and threats in the United States, hold perpetrators accountable, and bring them to justice. It also calls on the Administration to offer federal assistance to victims and enhance security at places of worship and other institutions of any faith that have been targeted, calls on law enforcement to expedite its investigations into these crimes nationwide, and encourages federal law enforcement officials to improve required reporting of hate crimes.

"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 United States, 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."

"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," said Senator Collins. "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."

"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 prioritize 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 fueled 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."