December 13, 2023

REP. WATSON COLEMAN INTRODUCES RESOLUTION DENOUNCING HATE AND BIGOTRY IN ALL ITS FORMS

Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), anounced the introduction of a resolution denouncing hate in all of its forms. The resolution condemns all representations of discrimination including, racism, islamophobia, antisemitism, transphobia, heterosexism, homophobia, sexism, ageism, xenophobia, ableism, and ethnic or religious bigotry.

“This resolution comes at a critical time when incidents of violence and harmful behavior have been on the rise,” said Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman. “Hatred has no place in our communities, our country, or our world. We must stand together against bigotry, racism, and intolerance. Let this resolution serve as a powerful message that reflects the values of compassion and empathy that are essential for building a more just and equitable society and a small reminder that it is imperative upon all individuals, communities, and institutions to actively reject hate and work towards fostering an environment of understanding and acceptance.” 

Specifically, the Anti-Hate Resolution:

  • Condemns all representations of discrimination including, racism, islamophobia, antisemitism, transphobia, heterosexism, homophobia, sexism, ageism, xenophobia, ableism, and ethnic or religious bigotry;

  • Supports the implementation of comprehensive policies to prevent and respond to hate crimes, including education and training on prevention and response, state and federal intervention, and acknowledgment of the challenges facing vulnerable groups;

  • Reassures the needs of victims’ advocacy, including communication support, incident reporting, physical and mental health resources, legal representation, and response and recovery;

  • Supports allocating funding for programs that are culturally and linguistically accessible to center vulnerable populations within these communities including but not limited to working-class people, undocumented and immigrant communities, women, non-binary, and LGBTQ communities; and

  • Supports allocating resources to community-based organizations that center the experiences of vulnerable populations; and reaffirms the Federal Government’s commitment to combat all forms of hate, bigotry, and violence to exercise the importance of an inclusive democracy

“Every person has the right to exist freely, without fear, and limitations,” said Watson Coleman. “This resolution will serve as an essential piece of a broader collective effort to stand up against hate as we work towards building a more harmonious and just society for everyone.”

The resolution is cosponsored by Representatives Hank Johnson (GA-04), Shontel Brown (OH-11), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Al Green (TX-09), and Jennifer McClellan (VA-04). 

The resolution can be read in its entirety here.