Biden signs Meng’s COVID-19 Hate Crime Act into law

/
PA bill to support awareness of COVID-19 hate crimes from Queens Congressmember Grace Meng was signed into law on Thursday, May 20, 2021. Photo courtesy of Meng

PA bill to support awareness of COVID-19 hate crimes from Queens Congressmember Grace Meng was signed into law on Thursday, May 20, 2021. Photo courtesy of Meng

By Rachel Vick

On Thursday, President Joe Biden signed the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, originally introduced by U.S. Reps. Grace Meng and Mazie Hirono, into law.

The legislation creates a position at the Department of Justice to speed up the review of hate crimes and direct federal agencies to work with community organizations to increase awareness.

"Silence is complicity and we cannot be complicit. We have to speak out. We have to act," Biden said. "That's what you've done. And I can't thank you enough. I'm proud today."

The law also mandates the DOJ and the Department of Health and Human Services to issue guidance raising awareness of hate crimes during the pandemic and allow courts to order convicted individuals to participate in classes or community service as a condition of their release.

There have 6,600 reported acts of violence nationwide and over two-thirds were reported by women, Meng said. In New York City, there have been 80 alleged hate crimes committed against Asian New Yorkers in 2021, according to the NYPD. In 2020, there were 16 anti-Asian hate crimes reported to the police in the city. 

The bill passed in the House of Representatives earlier this week — the last step before it was sent to the president for signing — and all New York Congressmembers voted aye.

“I am truly heartened to see so many of my colleagues stand against this bigotry and discrimination,” Meng said after the vote.  

“Those of Asian descent have been blamed and scapegoated for the outbreak of COVID-19, and as a result Asian Americans have been beaten, slashed, spat on and even killed,” she added. “The Asian American community is exhausted from being forced to endure this ongoing racism and prejudice. Asian Americans are tired of living in fear, and being frightened about their kids or elderly parents going outside.”