AFSCME praises passage of anti-Asian hate crimes bill, urges president to sign it in short order

WASHINGTON — AFSCME President Lee Saunders issued the following statement in response to the passage of the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act:

“The AFSCME family is heartened by the bipartisanship in the House and the Senate to pass this critical piece of legislation to help address rising hate and violence aimed at the AAPI community. As we have made clear, our union will continue to stand up to hate and bigotry and call it out whenever it rears its ugly head because it has no place in our communities. This bill will help communities around the country be better prepared to combat hate and promote greater awareness to prevent violent crimes and discrimination against Asian Americans. This bill is a big step forward, but we must continue to do our part and redouble our commitment to stand together, keep each other safe and to seek justice for those who have been victimized and continue to live in fear. We look forward to the president signing the bill in short order.”