The Illinois House has passed a resolution denouncing attacks against Sikh Americans, in particular the shootout inside a gurdwara in Wisconsin in August that killed six Sikh worshippers.
Acknowledging the American Sikh community's long standing commitment to the United States, the resolution said that the massacre in Wisconsin, and other racially motivated attacks, have caused Sikhs and other communities to live under an "unfair burden of vulnerability".
Denouncing hate-fuelled violence and encouraging civic engagement and participation among the immigrant and minority communities of Illinois, the resolution sought to create greater awareness among the general public about Sikhs and other minority communities.
"This legislation is an acknowledgement of the racially motivated atrocities that have been committed and a commitment by the state of Illinois to devote resources to educating the greater Illinois community on Sikh Americans and South Asian Americans", said Ekta Arneja, midwest regional coordinator, United Sikhs.