BOSTON – Senator Michael O. Moore (D-Millbury) announced that the Legislature adopted a joint resolution (text below) formally denouncing white nationalist and neo-Nazi ideologies, as well as condemning all forms of racism, discrimination and violence.
In response to the recent, tragic events in Charlottesville, Virginia, Senator Moore joined his legislative colleagues, Worcester Mayor Joseph M. Petty, Governor Charlie Baker and Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito at the Grand Staircase of the State House in an act of solidarity. The Governor issued a proclamation identical to the language adopted by the Legislature which reads, in part, that the legislative body “strongly denounce[s] and oppose[s] the totalitarian impulses, violence, xenophobic biases, and bigoted ideologies that are promoted by white nationalists and neo-Nazis.”
“It is difficult to describe in words how deeply troubled and disheartened I am by the tragic events of this past weekend,” said Senator Moore. “The sheer hate, violence and blatant racism on display in Charlottesville are evidence of deep-seated intolerance and prejudice that still exists in our nation. We can change this. I stand with everyone who condemns acts of violence, racism, bigotry and discrimination. Together we reject these beliefs, and instead work to define our communities through tolerance and courage.”
“Four-hundred thousand Americans fought and died in World War Two and we have granite markers across our city bearing the names of those who lost their lives defeating fascism,” said Mayor Petty. “The greatest generation didn’t fight and die for neo-Nazis and white supremacists to emerge from the dark shadows of history seventy-five years later. We will continue to stand against hatred, bigotry, and racism in every form.”
Any resident of the Commonwealth who is a victim of discrimination is encouraged to contact the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) at (617) 994-6000 or by clicking below.
MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL COURT
Joint Resolution
ADDRESSING NEO-NAZI AND WHITE NATIONALIST HATE ORGANIZATIONS
WHEREAS, white nationalist organizations in our country have consistently promoted values that are overtly racist, anti-Semitic, and anti-immigrant, and these poisonous ideologies continue to promote hatred, bigotry, and violence specifically against individuals solely on the basis of their race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, and immigration status; and
WHEREAS, today, white nationalism and neo-Nazism remain very real threats to the values for which the Commonwealth stands, and their reinvention as the “Alt-Right,” should not mitigate their hateful ideologies; and
WHEREAS, while free speech is a bedrock value for the citizens in our Commonwealth and Country, white nationalist and neo-Nazi groups promote a message that is the antithesis of Massachusetts’ dedication to civil rights for all, and is in irreconcilable conflict with our foundational principles of liberty and justice for all; and
WHEREAS, white nationalism and neo-Nazism are continuing to grow as menaces to societal order as they seek to reignite social animosities, reverse improvements in race relations, divide the nation, and foment hatred, classism, and ethnic eradication; and
WHEREAS, the white nationalist and neo-Nazi message of racial and social intolerance has led to senseless acts of violence that continue to terrorize members of ethnic and religious communities; Now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that we strongly denounce and oppose the totalitarian impulses, violence, xenophobic biases, and bigoted ideologies that are promoted by white nationalists and neo-Nazis; and be it further
RESOLVED, that weurge law enforcement agencies and elected officials at every level of government to condemn white nationalist and neo-Nazi ideology, to vigorously pursue justice in response to hate-fueled violence and work to ensure the protection of the marginalized and targeted communities.
RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Mayor of Charlottesville, Governor of Virginia and President of the United States.
Pictured: Senator Michael O. Moore (D-Millbury) at the Grand Staircase of the State House with legislative colleagues, Worcester Mayor Joe Petty, Governor Charlie Baker and Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito.