Sikh community welcomes Pennsylvania House panel approval of anti-hate crime bills

House Judiciary Committee approves a package of legislation that aims to expand and strengthen Pennsylvania’s anti-hate crimes statutes

May 24, 2023, was a landmark day for advocates of equality and civil rights activists in Pennsylvania as a House committee in the state legislature approved not one but four anti-hate crime bills. The bills, which directly affect minorities and people of color, were heavily supported by South Asian American advocacy organizations.

The House Judiciary Committee approved along party lines a package of legislation — House bills 1024, 1025, 1026 and 1027 — addressing the current “ethnic intimidation” statute in the state, aiming to reform and rename it as “hate-based intimidation.”

Read: Sikh man beaten mercilessly on Mexico border in viral video (April 28, 2023)

South Asian American organizations such as the New York-based Sikh Coalition have been mobilizing the community to ask legislators to sponsor the bills.

The legislation drew reference to the 2018 mass shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh. The supporters of the bill stressed that the tragedy in Pittsburgh demonstrated the dire consequences of hate violence while further reinforcing that more must be done to protect all communities within the Commonwealth.

The bills would expand protections for marginalized communities, increase training for law enforcement and education professionals, encourage the reporting of hate-based incidents in schools, and expand restorative justice opportunities for those convicted of hate crimes.

“The Sikh Coalition is proud to support the bills that expand protection to create a safer and more inclusive commonwealth for all,” Nikki Singh, the organization’s Senior Manager of Policy & Advocacy, told the American Bazaar, as soon bills were passed Wednesday. “Whether it’s working to secure safer and more inclusive schools, preventing hate and discrimination, creating equal employment opportunities, empowering local Sikh communities or raising the Sikh profile, the Sikh Coalition’s goal is working towards a world where Sikhs, and other religious minorities in America, may freely practice their faith without bias and discrimination.”

Read: Sikhs, Jews most targeted for hate crimes: FBI (February 23, 2023)

Navtej S. Grewal, a Sikh American resident of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, said, “No one should be attacked because of their identity, and we must do everything possible to prevent acts of bias and hate against all Pennsylvanians.”

Grewal added, “The story of being a minority in America cannot focus on fear and victimhood alone. It must focus on resilience and success — on what we do to protect ourselves and our neighbors, and how we work together to make our communities safer and more welcoming for all.”

According to the House Democratic Caucus, this legislation, which aims to expand and strengthen Pennsylvania’s anti-hate crimes statutes, marks the first significant legislative step taken in two decades to address the widely acknowledged rise in hate-based crimes.

“Hate crimes are on the rise, and every day that Pennsylvania’s laws are left unequipped to deal with them is a day that those who would use violence and intimidation to diminish our vulnerable communities are further emboldened,” Rep. Dan Frankel, one of the main sponsors of the legislation said. “Today, the House Judiciary Committee voted for a commonwealth that stands with vulnerable communities and aspires to promote diversity and tolerance.”

Read: Pa. House panel approves anti-hate crime bills in wake of synagogue shooting (May 25, 2023)

He added that with the passage of these bills into law, Pennsylvania will align itself with the majority of states that recognize the escalating issue of attacks against individuals based on their identity, appearance, or affectional orientation.

Rep. Napoleon Nelson, another sponsor, said, “This legislative package is of vital importance. As hate crimes increase across the country, we must protect those who are most vulnerable. I’m happy to have sponsored these pieces of legislation and look forward to doing more to ensure that everyone – regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability status – feels safe and respected.”