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Asian Americans in California celebrate historic hate crime legislation
The historic legislation, signed by Governor Newsom recently, marks a milestone in combating hate crimes, particularly those targeting the Asian American community.
Press Conference by Assembly member Phil Ting who introduced the legislation / X/@AsmPhilTing
The Chinese Historical Society of America Museum in San Francisco's Chinatown saw a gathering of over 100 sponsoring and supporting organizations to commemorate the passing of the Freedom from Hate Crimes Act (AB 449), in California.
The historic legislation, signed by Governor Newsom recently, marks a milestone in combating hate crimes, particularly those targeting the Asian American community. It mandates every law enforcement personnel in the state to be familiar with and abide by a comprehensive protocol outlining how to recognize, report, and respond to hate crimes.
The law states that all departments must adopt and implement a policy to combat hate crimes by July 1, 2024. Each department must submit their policy to the state Department of Justice to be reviewed and verify if it abides by the law.
The Hate Crimes Act was introduced in response to a surge in anti-Asian hate crimes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Assembly member Phil Ting led the bill to represent the voices of marginalized communities, striving for a safer and more inclusive California.
Samir Kalra of the Hindu American Foundation, one of the supporting organizations commended the bill for safeguarding California Hindus and aiding in the identification of hate crimes targeting the Hindu community. He said, “In a state as diverse as California, it is essential that every law enforcement agency develop hate crimes policies and protocols to effectively preserve our state’s pluralistic ethos.”
Kalra added, “The Hindu American community applauds Assemblymember Ting for his leadership on AB 449 to ensure Californians from all walks of life feel safe and secure. The Hindu American Foundation is proud to have sponsored this important bill that finally requires every law enforcement agency to adopt and follow a rigorous policy guiding officers in preventing and responding to these crimes, while also highlighting Hindu articles and symbols to assist law enforcement in identifying hate crimes against California Hindus.”
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