Balderas Invites Faith Leaders To Discuss Hate Crime Initiatives

ALBUQUERQUE - State Attorney General Hector Balderas this week wrote to faith leaders in all New Mexico's religious communities urging them to come together to discuss hate motivated violence. The call to action comes in the wake of multiple violent incidents across the U.S. that targeted people based on their faith and their places of worship.

“There is no place for violence in New Mexico, let alone violence perpetrated against someone for who they are or what they believe,” said Attorney General Balderas via a prepared statement. “My office will work with leaders in our faith communities to ensure that New Mexicans are protected from those who would harm them for their beliefs."

The Office of the Attorney General has drafted a anti-domestic terrorism and hate crime legislative package that has been sent to Governor Lujan Grisham and legislative leaders for consideration in the upcoming 2020 session. Under these proposals, New Mexico’s laws would be strengthened to better define hate motivated crimes, and to increase resources in the Office of the Attorney General to investigate and prosecute hate crimes and domestic terrorism.

In the statement, the Attorney General’s office confirms that the goal is to ensure that members of New Mexico’s faith communities have a voice in the legislative process and to ensure their communities are heard on critical issues. Although no date has yet been set, it is hoped the meeting will occur within the coming weeks, either leading up to or during the legislative session.

A copy of the letter can be read at: https://www.nmag.gov/uploads/PressRelease/48737699ae174b30ac51a7eb286e661f/AG_Balderas_to_Convene_Faith_Leaders_to_Discuss_Violence_Against_Communities.pdf