HCR85 - Designating March 15 as the Day to Combat Islamophobia for a 10-year period ending in 2035.

  89R12725 BK-D     By: Bhojani H.C.R. No. 85       CONCURRENT RESOLUTION          WHEREAS, Islamophobia, defined as irrational fear, hatred,   or discrimination directed at Islam and Muslims, has led to an   increased incidence of hate crimes and acts of intolerance in the   United States and around the world; and          WHEREAS, March 15 marks the anniversary of the 2019   Christchurch mosque attacks in New Zealand, an act of terror that   resulted in the deaths of 51 innocent worshippers; this tragic   event occurred amid a surge in anti-Muslim violence and underscores   the urgent need to address Islamophobic hate and promote interfaith   understanding; and          WHEREAS, Texas is home to a diverse population, which   includes a vibrant and growing Muslim community that has made   significant contributions to the social, cultural, and economic   fabric of the state; in recent years, its members have been forced   to deal with alarming incidents of violence, intolerance, and   bigotry; and          WHEREAS, On January 28, 2017, the Victoria Islamic Center was   the target of an arson attack that destroyed the place of worship   and deeply impacted the local Muslim community; and          WHEREAS, On May 19, 2024, a hate crime was committed against a   Muslim woman and her two children at a public swimming pool in   Euless; the attacker interrogated the woman in a racially charged   manner before assaulting the woman's six-year-old son and   attempting to drown her three-year-old daughter; both children   survived, thanks to the efforts of the mother and a bystander; and          WHEREAS, It is estimated that there are hundreds of   Islamophobic incidents in Texas each year, and that many more go   unreported; and          WHEREAS, The designation of a Day to Combat Islamophobia will   serve to reinforce the importance of fostering mutual   understanding, interfaith dialogue, and respect for all religious   communities; moreover, the observance offers a fitting opportunity   to promote educational initiatives, policy discussions, and other   forms of community engagement to counter Islamophobia and encourage   inclusivity; and          WHEREAS, Through this observance, the State of Texas is   reaffirming its commitment to standing against all forms of hatred,   bigotry, and discrimination and protecting the civil rights and   religious freedoms of all of its residents; now, therefore, be it          RESOLVED, That the 89th Legislature of the State of Texas   hereby designate March 15 as the Day to Combat Islamophobia; and, be   it further          RESOLVED, That, in accordance with the provisions of   Section 391.004(d), Government Code, this designation remain in   effect until the 10th anniversary of the date this resolution is   finally passed by the legislature.