Rep. Susan Williams Gifford (R-Wareham) has joined state lawmakers in supporting a resolution denouncing white nationalism and neo-Nazism, condemning the hatred, bigotry and violence these groups promote. The resolution will be sent to the mayor of Charlottesville, governor of Virginia and president of the United States.

The resolution emphasized that the values of these groups stand in irreconcilable conflict with the founding principles of both the Commonwealth and the nation.

“I proudly stand with House and Senate Leadership, Governor Baker, and many of my colleagues in this well thought out, bi-partisan response to the violence in Charlottesville and the hate groups responsible for it,” said Gifford.  “In standing together, we send a more meaningful message. It is my hope that the residents of the Commonwealth will know that we in government condemn the actions and ideologies of the neo-Nazis and white supremacists everywhere,” said Gifford.

Following the signing of the resolution, legislators joined Gov. Baker and the lieutenant governor in a moment of silence for the Charlottesville victims.

The legislation, which was filed in the wake of the Charlottesville tragedy, states that “intolerance has led to senseless acts of violence that continue to terrorize members of ethnic and religious communities.”

It urges law enforcement agencies and elected officials to condemn white nationalist and neo-Nazi ideology, pursue justice in response to hate-fueled violence and work to ensure the protection of marginalized and targeted communities.