Following is a statement from NMAC Executive Director Paul Kawata on Senate passage of the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act.
“NMAC applauds the Senate passage of the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act in an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 94-1. Since the start of the COVID pandemic, we have seen skyrocketing rates of hate crimes against members of the Asian community, from harassment to violence. We are pleased to see that BOTH parties recognize the danger the Asian community is under and have taken concrete steps to address it. We hope this is a first step in bipartisan support for legislation that will benefit communities of color by strengthening protections or eliminating racial inequities.”
NMAC leads with race to urgently fight for health equity and racial justice to end the HIV epidemic in America. Since 1987, NMAC has advanced our mission through a variety of programs and services, including: a public policy education program, national and regional training conferences, a treatment and research program, numerous electronic and print materials, and a website: www.nmac.org. NMAC also serves as an association of AIDS service organizations, providing valuable information to community-based organizations, hospitals, clinics, and other groups assisting individuals and families affected by the HIV epidemic.