Earlier today the full Judiciary Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed H.R. 35, the Emmett Till Antilynching Act, legislation introduced by Congressman Bobby Rush (IL) which would also make lynching a federal hate crime.
On 12/14/2019, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed S. 488, the Justice for Victims of Lynching Act, which was introduced by Senators Kamala Harris (CA), Cory Booker (NJ), Tim Scott (SC), and over 40 of their colleagues from both sides of the aisle. This crucial legislation would make lynching a hate crime, therefore eligible for the additional federal tools and resources used to investigate and prosecute hate crimes.
We must now advocate to all of our members of the U.S. House of Representatives to bring this bill up before the full House, to support and pass it, and to the President to sign the bill sooner rather than later. Lives, and justice, depend on it. For information on the legislation and tips on how to advocate, please see the attached Action Alert and take Fast Action.
