The Episcopal Church applauds Senate passage of the COVID–19 Hate Crimes Act (S. 937), legislation that not only will assist in addressing hate crimes but also demonstrates the U.S. commitment to end violence and hate crimes against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, as well as other communities of color. This legislation will designate a Department of Justice official to carry out an expedited review of COVID-19 hate crimes and will also provide federal, state, and local officials tools to monitor and address the surge in hate crimes. We are encouraged by the constructive, bipartisan process that led to the passage of this bill. While racism and hatred cannot simply be legislated away, improving the ability of law enforcement and our justice system to ensure protections for potential victims of hate crimes is necessary to help address this growing problem.

Learn More: Episcopal Church Resources on Responding to Racist Violence