Photo: Yonhap News
Lawmakers in the U.S. voted on Thursday to condemn racism against Asian Americans tied to the coronavirus outbreak.
The Democratic resolution, passed in the House of Representatives with a vote of 246-164, calls on all public officials to condemn anti-Asian sentiment and to investigate hate crimes after a rise in aggression and violence from those blaming people of Asian descent for COVID-19.
It notes inflammatory terms that have been used by President Donald Trump and other officials, including "Chinese Virus," "Wuhan Virus," and "Kung flu," and says they have perpetuated an anti-Asian stigma.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said alonside the virus, there has been a "disturbing epidemic of hate and discrimination" that has broken out.
She also blamed Trump for trying to divert attention from Russia's meddling in elections to demonize China.
The Associated Press reported that Republicans called the legislation an election-year effort to criticize Trump and "woke culture on steroids."
Civic groups have reported hundreds of discriminatory actions against Asian Americans, especially in the early days of the pandemic.
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