Virginia Cramer, virginia.cramer@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Led by Sen. Mazie Hirano, Congress today passed the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act to speed review of hate crimes and expand reporting efforts. Passage comes amidst an increase in hate crimes across the country, particularly anti-Asian violence. The bill was strengthened by the inclusion of the Blumenthal-Moran legislation, the NO HATE Act, as an amendment. The amendment improves efforts by law enforcement to address hate crimes, improves hate crime reporting data, and increases assistance for survivors of hate crimes.
In response Sierra Club President Ramon Cruz issued the following statement.
“Sierra Club is heartened to see passage of the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act and the progress it marks towards justice for all. We’ve witnessed our Asian-American family, friends, and neighbors be racially scapegoated for causing the pandemic and we add our voice to those forcefully denouncing this hate.
“Everyone has a right to be safe in their homes, in their communities, and in nature. We are committed to continuing the work for a just, equitable and sustainable future, where all people can safely benefit from a healthy thriving planet no matter their race, age, identity, income or zip code.”
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About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.5 million members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.