Ramirez Statement in Opposition to H.R. 6090

Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03)released the following statement after voting in opposition to H.R. 6090:

“I am committed to a future free of islamophobia, antisemitism, and all forms of bigotry, oppression, and discrimination. To get there, states and leaders cannot be above criticism, nor can we stifle dissent, the exercise of free speech, or our right to peaceful assembly. While we must unequivocally stand against islamophobia and antisemitism in all their forms, it is dangerous to conflate antisemitism with the criticism of the Israeli state or the extreme and xenophobic nationalist policies they have supported. Nationalist movements deny our shared humanity and interconnectedness. Criminalizing young people who are using their voices to call for peace endangers both the well-being of the students and the health of our multiracial, multicultural democracy. As we advocate for a lasting peace, we must support serious plans to combat antisemitism and address rising Islamophobia. We must not compromise our essential freedoms or remain silent in the face of nationalist politics of division that dehumanize others and incite violence. 

That’s why I voted NO on H.R. 6090.”