Resolution Condemning Hate and Bias Crime Sponsored by Vainieri Huttle, Murphy, & McKnight Clears Full Assembly

(TRENTON) – To help protect the people of New Jersey from hate and bias crimes, Assembly Democrats Valerie Vainieri Huttle (D- Bergen), Carol Murphy (D- Burlington), and Angela McKnight (D- Hudson) sponsor a resolution (AR-139) condemning any form of racism, religious or ethnic bias, and discrimination.  The resolution passed the full Assembly on Monday, 74-0.

This resolution encourages the Governor and the Attorney General to provide State assistance to victims of hate crimes and also offer security measures to improve preparedness of institutions that have been targeted due to their affiliation with any particular race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity, gender, or gender identity.  According to the FBI, hate crimes in New Jersey increased 76 percent between 2016 and 2017.

Following passage of the resolution in the Assembly, Vainieri Huttle, Murphy, and McKnight issued the following joint statement:

“Unfortunately, hate crimes have risen drastically in New Jersey.  This resolution is a necessary step towards combating discrimination, hate, and bias. 

“No one should have to worry about being targeted by others simply because of who they are.  Our goal is to assist anyone who has been affected and ensure the rate of these crimes does not continue to grow. 

“Through this resolution we can prepare institutions, such as places of worship, and enhance their abilities to address bias and racism. This resolution is one way in which we can do that.”