Bill Text: SC H3764 | 2021-2022 | 124th General Assembly | Introduced
Bill Title: Ending the spread of hate, bigotry, and harassment, and condemning extremism in its many forms
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 16-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2021-05-12 - Member(s) request name added as sponsor: Henegan, Clyburn, Hosey, Ott, Kirby, J.L.Johnson, Bamberg, Wheeler, Rutherford, Thigpen, R.Williams, Jefferson, King, Cobb-Hunter, Brawley [H3764 Detail]
Download: South_Carolina-2021-H3764-Introduced.html
A HOUSE RESOLUTION
TO AFFIRM THE COMMITMENT OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TOWARD DEFENDING DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTIONS, ENDING THE SPREAD OF HATE, BIGOTRY, AND HARASSMENT, AND CONDEMNING EXTREMISM IN ITS MANY FORMS.
Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives is committed to defending democratic institutions, the integrity of our elections, and the security of the people and facilities that carry out the democratic process. The House condemns the January 6, 2021, domestic terrorism incident at our nation's capitol as it does not reflect our values and denounces any attempt to exploit governmental procedure and basic governmental functions for personal political gain; and
Whereas, disinformation, misinformation, and online conspiracy theories such as QAnon are spreading and inspiring real-world violence. The House of Representatives supports the peaceful exercise of free speech, free assembly, and freedom to worship safely for all people but condemns extremist conspiracy theories, misinformation, and disinformation that cultivate an alienated and mistrustful electorate, undermine democratic institutions and processes, and increase the likelihood of violence; and
Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives is committed to ending the spread of hate, bigotry, and harassment based on race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, sex, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected characteristic as defined by law; and
Whereas, the House of Representatives denounces anti-government extremism, white supremacy, racism, antisemitism, misogyny, Islamophobia, anti-LGBTQ+ hate, ableism, and all hateful speech and bias-motivated violent actions in our community and affirms its ongoing commitment to cultivating an inclusive, safe, and just society and culture that values the diversity of our community, works to ensure equitable opportunities in all major facets of society, and celebrates both our individuality and commonality; and
Whereas, the diversity of our community is beneficial to all within it and makes South Carolina stronger and more resilient. It is the solemn duty of this body to ensure that all community members are protected and their rights respected. The cultivation of an inclusive community within the South Carolina House of Representatives' operations and institutions reflects our commitment to this charge; and
Whereas, each of our elected leaders has the ability and obligation to promote inclusiveness, celebrate diversity, to work to ensure equitable opportunities in all major facets of society, to prevent the spread of misinformation and disinformation, and to reject hate and bias in all forms. As leaders, we should set a positive example for our constituents in this regard; and
Whereas, as the House of Representatives continues to honor its commitment to countering hate and extremism through engagement with community leaders, governmental transparency and public information-sharing regarding efforts to fight extremism, and the investigation and prosecution of those who commit criminal acts, consistent with civil liberties protections. We urge residents to join us by adopting these values in their own lives, calling attention to these harms, and denouncing hate and extremism to help keep us all safe. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, affirms the commitment of the South Carolina House of Representatives towards defending democratic institutions, ending the spread of hate, bigotry, and harassment, and condemning extremism in its many forms.
