Hate Crime Coalition Joint Statement

Statement from the following organizations: The Georgia Chamber of Commerce, Metro Atlanta Chamber, Georgia Equality, Anti-Defamation League, Atlanta Black Chambers of Commerce, Georgia Greater Black Chamber of Commerce, the NAACP and the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

“We want to thank Speaker Ralston and members of the House leadership team for their steadfast support of HB 426 in passing meaningful bi-partisan hate crimes legislation in Georgia. We are also encouraged by our conversations with Lt. Governor Duncan to give this issue the attention it deserves. While the recently introduced senate proposal still requires additional study, we are committed as a business and civil rights community in working together with our elected officials to enact an effective hate crimes bill. The final bill should address much-needed penalties for those who commit inconceivable attacks of murder, property destruction or personal targeting solely based on who they are. Prioritizing equality and inclusion in our society remains paramount to Georgia’s continued ability to be the best state in which to live and do business. We encourage members of the General Assembly to work across party lines and to move quickly. The time to act is now.”

To download this statement, click here.

Chris Clark, Georgia Chamber of Commerce, President & CEO

Katie Kirkpatrick, Metro Atlanta Chamber, President & CEO

Dr. Allison Padilla-Goodman, ADL, VP Southern Division

Jeff Graham, Georgia Equality, Executive Director

James Woodall, Georgia NAACP, State President

Markee Tate, Atlanta Black Chambers, Inc., President & CEO

Melinda Sylvester, Georgia Greater Black Chamber of Commerce, President & CEO

Santiago Marquez, Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, President & CEO