The City Council on Wednesday, May 12, passed a resolution by Councilman Peter Koo calling upon Congress to pass — and the president to sign — the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, which would facilitate an expedited review of COVID-19 hate crimes against Asian Americans.
A supermajority of 37 members signed onto Resolution 1619 that was introduced by Koo and his colleague, Margaret Chin (D-Manhattan).
“As our nation continues to grapple with an onslaught of anti-Asian hate crimes, it is imperative that we support federal legislation that will offer guidance to localities with little experience in dealing with the Asian communities,” Koo said. “The COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act will be the first step on our nation’s long road to recovery from both the pandemic and the discrimination and racism that has become far too prevalent in our culture.”
