FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 18, 2020
CONTACT
Manisha Sunil, West End Strategy Team
msunil@westendstrategy.com; Phone: 202-417-0171
Interfaith Alliance Urges Senate to Pass the HEROES Act
WASHINGTON — Last week, the House of Representatives passed the “Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions Act” (HEROES Act). This comprehensive COVID-19 relief bill includes the Jabara-Heyer NO HATE Act, which will help address the sharp increase in hate incidents and hate crimes targeting Asian Americans and people of color, immigrants, the LGBTQ+ community, Muslims, Jews and people with disabilities.
In response to the bill’s passage, Rabbi Jack Moline, President of Interfaith Alliance, released the following statement:
“In this time of crisis, the inequities of our society have been thrown into sharper relief. The fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic has hit marginalized communities the hardest. Provisions included in the HEROES Act will lift up these communities by providing economic relief, bolstering social programs, investing in public health resources, and expanding safe voting options.
We are also encouraged to see that the bipartisan Jabara-Heyer NO HATE Act was included in the bill. Those who have been targets of hate and violence during this pandemic have long needed the kind of support that the Jabara-Heyer NO HATE Act provides. It is our hope that this funding will help alleviate the immediate suffering of these communities, and give law enforcement and victims to the tools they need to seek justice.
“The Jabara-Heyer NO HATE Act is a prime example of how, during this pandemic, we must use public funds to help those who need it most. As this crisis continues, it can be tempting to set aside our moral and constitutional values for the security of our own organizations and interests. However, we must continue to prioritize the needs of our most vulnerable, and advocate for solutions that are true to our democratic values.
Interfaith Alliance urges the Senate to pass the HEROES Act, so that we may protect the health, safety, and economic security of all Americans.”
###
Interfaith Alliance celebrates religious freedom by championing individual rights, promoting policies that protect both religion and democracy, and uniting diverse voices to challenge extremism. Founded in 1994, Interfaith Alliance brings together members from 75 faith traditions as well as those without a faith tradition to protect faith and freedom. For more information visit www.interfaithalliance.org.