AJR208

Sponsored by:

Assemblywoman ANGELA V. MCKNIGHT

District 31 (Hudson)

Assemblyman DANIEL R. BENSON

District 14 (Mercer and Middlesex)

Assemblywoman VALERIE VAINIERI HUTTLE

District 37 (Bergen)

Co-Sponsored by:

Assemblymen Mukherji, Holley, Verrelli, Assemblywoman Quijano, Assemblymen Conaway, Moen, Assemblywomen Chaparro, Reynolds-Jackson, Jasey, Timberlake, Downey, Swain and Assemblyman Tully

SYNOPSIS

Condemns hate and violent extremism and commits to defense of safe and just democracy.

CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT

As introduced.

A Joint Resolution condemning hate and violent extremism and committing to defending the integrity of a safe and just democratic society.

Whereas, On January 6, 2021, a violent attack took place in the nation’s capitol when a mob of riotous extremists attempted to overtake the United States Capitol Building and invalidate the results of a fair and free election; and

Whereas, This act of domestic terrorism was an assault on our democracy and has brought to light the grave danger created when we ignore the hateful, divisive actions of those who seek to garner power based on fear, bigotry and falsehoods; and

Whereas, The central and overriding tenet of living in a fair and secure democratic society is the idea that all people are deemed equal under the law and that no one is above that law; and

Whereas, The State of New Jersey is committed to defending these democratic ideals by promoting inclusiveness and celebrating diversity, working to ensure equitable opportunities for all, and rejecting hate and bias in any form; and

Whereas, The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) is a world renowned anti-hate organization dedicated to fighting threats to democracy; securing justice and fair treatment for all; and creating a world which is free from discrimination, bias and hate; and

Whereas, The ADL issued a report finding a strong link between right-wing extremists, white-supremacists and extremist-related murders and violence, and further noted that disinformation, misinformation and online conspiracy theories are spreading and inspiring real world violence and otherwise threatening our democracy; and

Whereas, The State of New Jersey condemns these acts of violence and any actions based on hate or extremism as these actions are antithetical to our democracy and the safety and well-being of the people of this State; and

Whereas, The elected leaders of this State are committed to defending the democratic process and all the people and mechanisms necessary to ensure its integrity; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

1. The Governor and Legislature of the State of New Jersey condemn hate and violent extremism and express support for democracy.

2. Copies of this resolution as filed by the Secretary of State shall be transmitted by the Clerk of the General Assembly or the Secretary of the Senate to the Majority and Minority Leaders of the United States Senate, the Speaker and Minority Leader of the United States House of Representatives, and every member of the United States Congress elected from the State of New Jersey.

3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.

STATEMENT

This joint resolution condemns hate and violent extremism as antithetical to the tenets of a safe and just democratic society. The resolution further denounces the violent attack that occurred in the nation’s capitol on January 6, 2021, as that attack is evidence of the violence that can result when extremists utilize hate, fear, bias, misinformation, and conspiracy theories to create an atmosphere that is hostile to democratic principles and processes.

This joint resolution also reaffirms New Jersey’s continued commitment to the defense of a robust democratic society. One in which its people are considered equals under the law, and which celebrates the diverse cultures and backgrounds of its citizens. This joint resolution expresses New Jersey’s desire to cultivate an environment of inclusion for its people, where hate and violence by extremists will not be tolerated.