Honoring Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., by celebrating diversity, promoting tolerance, and condemning hate.
H. Res. 48 is a House of Representatives resolution that honors Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by endorsing diversity, promoting tolerance, and condemning hate. Introduced January 16, 2025 and referred to the Judiciary Committee, the measure is a non-binding expression of congressional values and priorities rather than a law or funding bill. The resolution notes MLK’s belief that diversity is a strength, emphasizes the importance of voting rights and civil discourse, and calls for the nation to reject harassment, discrimination, and violence directed at various groups. The operative statements (the “be it resolved” clauses) affirm MLK’s legacy, condemn discrimination against specific minority communities and against people based on gender and LGBTQ+ status, and urge Americans to uphold MLK’s principles of justice, equality, peace, advocacy, and tolerance. It also cites MLK’s Letter from Birmingham Jail to underscore the interconnectedness of social justice for all.
Key Points
- 1Purpose and celebration: The resolution honors the 96th anniversary of MLK’s birth (and the associated MLK Day observance) and promotes diversity, tolerance, and the rejection of hate.
- 2Diversity and voting rights: It affirms MLK’s view that diversity is a national strength and notes the inviolable right of every person to vote and participate in representative democracy.
- 3Condemnation of discrimination against minority groups: It condemns harassment, discrimination, or prejudice targeting Black Americans, Indigenous people, Jewish Americans, Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, Muslim communities, and Hispanic/Latino communities.
- 4Condemnation of gender- and LGBTQ+-based discrimination: It condemns harassment or prejudice based on gender, including protections for transgender individuals and LGBTQ+ people.
- 5Respect for MLK’s legacy and call to action: It abhors the violence and hatred that led to MLK’s death and urges all people to uphold his values of justice, equality, peace, advocacy, and tolerance, citing his Letter from Birmingham Jail to illustrate interconnectedness.
- 6Nature of the measure: It is a non-binding resolution introduced in the House and referred to the Judiciary Committee; it expresses the sentiment and goals of the House rather than creating new law or funding.