Louisiana House Bill HR225

Louisiana 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/28/19
• Passed: 5/30/19

Caption

Commends Vice President Mike Pence for his visit to African American churches in St. Landry Parish destroyed by arson

Impact

The passage of HR 225 reflects a community's desire to honor supportive figures in the wake of tragedy. Vice President Pence's visit was praised in the resolution as a source of much-needed encouragement for those affected by the violence. More significantly, the bill acknowledges the collective effort of the local community, which has raised over two million dollars for the repair of the churches, underscoring their determination to recover and rebuild despite the loss.

Summary

House Resolution 225, introduced by Representative Amedee, serves as a formal commendation to Vice President Mike Pence following his visit to Louisiana. This visit was in response to the tragic destruction caused by arson at three historically significant African American churches in St. Landry Parish. The churches, which included Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, St. Mary's Baptist Church, and Greater Union Baptist Church, were victims of hate crimes that occurred within a short time frame, leading to widespread sorrow in the community. The resolution highlights the resilience and positivity demonstrated by the parishioners amidst this ordeal.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HR 225 appears to be overwhelmingly positive. Supporters argue that the resolution not only shines a light on the need to condemn acts of violence against places of worship but also celebrates the spirit of community and faith that survives these acts. This positive commentary serves to rally support for both the impacted churches and the broader message of unity and resilience in the face of adversity.

Contention

While the resolution is largely a symbol of positivity, it also carries an implicit acknowledgment of the issues of hate crimes and violence against churches, especially those serving African American communities. There may be discussions around whether the gestures made by political figures like Pence are enough to address the underlying problems of racism and community safety, inviting further dialogue on the effectiveness of such commendatory resolutions in fostering real change.