Lawyer Common Tong Applauds Signing of Invoice to Strengthen Civil Rights Enforcement in Connecticut

Press releases

07/07/2021

Attorney General Tong welcomes the signing of the Civil Rights Enforcement Act in Connecticut

(Hartford, CT) – Attorney General William Tong today welcomed the signing of a law to strengthen civil rights enforcement in Connecticut.

“The signing of Public Law No. 21-128 marks a historic moment for civil rights enforcement in Connecticut. Hate and discrimination are real threats to our state and nation, and the civil rights promised to us all should be enjoyed equally. ” Attorney General Tong said. “My office stands ready to take on this important work and proactively seek justice for those whose rights and freedoms are being attacked. Thank you to all legislators who helped pass this bill and to Governor Lamont for signing this important bill. “

Public Law No. 21-128, a law on the duties of the Attorney General, formally recognizes the role of the Attorney General in combating hatred and defending civil rights. The law went into effect on July 1, 2021 and was enacted on Wednesday by Governor Ned Lamont.

The law aligns Connecticut with our sister states by formalizing the Attorney General’s powers to investigate and, if evidence warrants, initiate civil rights suits to halt large-scale, systematic violations of existing constitutional and legal rights. The legislation also enables the Attorney General’s Office to pursue the civil enforcement of our state’s laws against hate crimes.

In June the bill passed the state Senate by 26 votes to 9 and the House of Representatives by 96 votes to 51.

Twitter: @AGWilliamTong Facebook: CT Attorney General

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