ASSEMBLY HOMELAND SECURITY AND STATE PREPAREDNESS COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY JOINT RESOLUTION No. 208

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  FEBRUARY 24, 2021

      The Assembly Homeland Security and State Preparedness Committee reports favorably Assembly Joint Resolution No. 208.  The Assembly 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.