Senate Passes Stavisky Legislation to Help Combat Hate Crimes in Our Communities

ALBANY, NY- The New York State Senate has passed Senator Toby Ann Stavisky’s (Flushing) legislation targeted toward reversing the disturbing rise in hate crimes throughout our state. The legislation (S6570) will mandate counseling and education for anyone convicted of a hate crime.

“We are living in an era of disinformation. Lies and divisive rhetoric are fomenting hatred and that hatred is leading to unprovoked acts of violence,” says Senator Stavisky. “The ‘fear of the other’ has historically been used as a tool to drive disunity and social media outlets are only making it easier and faster to spread. We must do more than simply punish these attackers. These attacks are rooted in ignorance and resentment. This legislation will help educate perpetrators in an attempt to help break this troubling cycle.”

Senator Stavisky introduced this legislation a year ago after an Asian teenager was attacked in Rego Park, Queens, because of his Asian heritage. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic there has been a disturbing increase in acts of violence against members of the AAPI community. This bill, sponsored by Assemblywoman Rebecca Seawright, has passed both the Assembly and the Senate and will be delivered to the Governor.  

You can find more information on this bill on the New York State Senate Website.