Anti-Bigotry Resolution Passes U.S. House

Anti-Bigotry Resolution Passes U.S. House
Historic resolution condemns bigotry against Arab-Americans, Muslim Americans and Americans of South Asian descent

September 15, 2001

In response to a recent wave of violence, threats and intimidation directed against Arab-Americans, Muslims, and Americans of South Asian descent, U.S. Representative David Bonior introduced a resolution condemning bigotry and violence against these communities.

"The magnitude of this moment calls on us to pull together, " Bonior said.  "Terrorism attempts to divide us; we must not let this happen.  We cannot allow our anger to drive us to bigotry or intolerance. Americans of all faiths - Christians, Muslims and Jews - denounce these terrorist attacks."

Bonior's resolution, H. Con. Res. 227, which was co-sponsored by Minority Leader Dick Gephardt (D-MO), Majority Leader Richard Armey (R-TX) and over 100 other Members of Congress, was passed by unanimous consent at approximately 2 a.m., just hours after the U.S. House passed a use of force resolution.

"All Americans benefit from the talents, patriotism and hard work of Arab-Americans, Muslim Americans and Americans of South Asian descent," Bonior said. "These communities - with their value on family, education and hard work - contribute a great deal to our culture. Unfortunately, in times of crisis, they bear the brunt of so much misguided anger. Americans must stick together, and never succumb to bigotry, intolerance and stereotyping."

-------------- COPY OF LEGISLATION -------------- 

107th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. CON. RES. 227

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Mr. Bonior submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

Condemning bigotry and violence against Arab-Americans, American Muslims and Americans from South Asian in the wake of recent terrorist attacks in New York City, New York and Washington, D.C., on September 11, 2001.

Whereas all Americans are united in condemning, in the strongest possible terms, the terrorists who planned and carried out the attacks against the United States on September 11, 2001, and in pursing all those responsible for these attacks and their sponsors until they are brought to justice and punished;

Whereas the Arab-American, South Asian-American, and American Muslim communities are a vital part of our nation;

Whereas on September 12, 2001, in a mass for the Nation and the victims of the terrorist hijackings and attacks, Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, the Archbishop of Washington, D.C., reminded reminded all Americans in prayer that "we must seek the guilty and not strike out against the innocent or we become like them who are without moral guidance or direction";

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Whereas the heads of State of several Arab and predominantly Muslim countries have condemned the terrorist attacks on the United States and the senseless loss of innocent lives; and

Whereas vengeful threats and incidents of violence directed at law-abiding, patriotic Americans of Arab or South Asian descent, particularly the Sikh community, and adherents of the Islamic faith have already occurred: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That the Congress

(1) declares that in the quest to identify, bring to justice, and punish the perpetrators and sponsors of the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001, that the civil rights and civil liberties of all Americans, including Arab Americans, American Muslims and Americans from South Asia, should be protected; and

(2) condemns any acts of violence or discrimination against any Americans, including Arab Americans, American Muslims, and Americans from South Asia.