Politics & Government

Malloy Signs Rep. Baram's Holocaust, Anti-Terrorism Bills

The bills require the divestment of state funds in Iran and encourage the inclusion of holocaust education in school curriculum.

State Representative David Baram expressed his pleasure with Governor Dannel P. Malloy's recent signing of two bills the Windsor representative co-sponsored.

The bills look to change policy abroad and at home, requiring the divestment of international funds and encouraging change to schools' curriculum.

In an effort to avoid funding international action that could jeopardize the lives of Americans, SB 881, which became law last week, requires that state funds be withdrawn from Iran.

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"“I want to thank Gov. Dannel P. Malloy and Treasurer Nappier for their leadership in making sure our state resources do not support terrorism,” sad Baram.

Under the law, State Treasurer Denise Nappier is required to remove existing funds and refrain from future "investment in any security or instrument issued by Iran," according to a statement released Wednesday by House Democrats.

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The law also strengthens a law "concerning divestment from companies doing business in the Sudan." The African nation has been embroiled in a multi-decade civil war that was officially recognized as a genocide by the United States government in 2004.

The Baram co-sponsored bill, HB 6499, which also became law last week, also concerned acts of genocide.

The law encourages school districts in Connecticut to include "genocide education materials provided by the Connecticut Board of Education" in their curriculum.

"While I believe this should be mandatory, I understand that it... [is identified] as a priority topic that can be instructive and helpful to Connecticut students," Baram said in an address to the House.

"“The Holocaust was a watershed event that changed the course of history. Six million Jews and five million other people were murdered because of prejudice and racism,” he said Wednesday.

"The Holocaust and other genocides are a lesson of man’s inhumanity to man and the dangers of remaining silent and apathetic when people are subjected to genocide," he added.

 


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