VICTORY! President Biden Signs Historic Hate Crimes Bill into Law

Author

The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights

Release Date

Thursday, May 20, 2021

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WASHINGTONWade Henderson, interim president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, released the following statement after President Biden signed into law the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, which included the Khalid Jabara and Heather Heyer National Opposition to Hate, Assault and Threats to Equality (NO HATE) Act as an amendment:

“By signing this historic legislation into law, President Biden has taken another crucially important step to address the terrifying spike in hate crimes targeting the Asian American community and other people of color, religious minorities, the LGBTQ community, and people with disabilities. Through this important civil rights bill, President Biden and Congress have sent a powerful message that we must center communities targeted for hate and invest resources to meet their needs. While this is an important victory with meaningful measures to combat hate crimes, there is no question that more must be done to address white supremacy and the serious threat it poses to our nation.”  

BACKGROUND:

Asian American leaders worked with other leaders of color to ensure that the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act included the Jabara-Heyer NO HATE Act. This collaboration ensured that the bill was as inclusive as possible, enhancing the response to hate crimes and improving the data necessary to ensure that all communities targeted for hate receive the resources and support that they need.

The Leadership Conference has long supported the Jabara-Heyer NO HATE Act and its provisions that will improve the response to hate violence that devastates communities. Specifically, in a letter supported by 157 civil and human rights organizations, The Leadership Conference urged Congress to take action to hold violent white nationalists accountable now, require more accurate reporting on hate crimes, address white supremacy in law enforcement, and oppose a new domestic terrorism charge. Additionally, Wade Henderson provided testimony before Congress on the issue, which the organization identified as a top priority for the incoming Biden administration.

 

The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights is a coalition charged by its diverse membership of more than 220 national organizations to promote and protect the rights of all persons in the United States. The Leadership Conference works toward an America as good as its ideals. For more information on The Leadership Conference and its member organizations, visit www.civilrights.org.


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