Lavine Calls Out Blakeman’s Bigotry

GLEN COVE, NEW YORK – Assemblymember Charles Lavine (D-North Shore) issued the following statement in response to Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman's criticism of New York Governor Kathy Hochul after she wore a headscarf during a visit to an Islamic religious center.

"Elected to public office, politicians who campaigned on hatred and prejudice will continue to promote racism and divisiveness to stay in office.We knew this long before the emergence of the MAGA cult. Our United States and New York State Constitutions guarantee religious liberty and protection.As President George Washington wrote in a 1790 letter to the Hebrew Congregation in Newport, Rhode Island, the "Government of the United States gives to bigotry no sanction" and "to persecution no assistance." It says a great deal about Blakeman's fitness for public office that he needs to appeal to bigots for their votes. Americans and New Yorkers are better than that."

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Assemblymember Charles Lavine represents New York's 13th Assembly District in Nassau County. He presently serves as Chair of the Judiciary Committee and is a member of the Committees on Codes, Ethics and Guidance, Insurance and Rules. Lavine previously served as Chair of the Election Law Committee, Chair of the Committee on Ethics and Guidance, co-Chair of the New York State Legislative Ethics Commission, and as Chair of the bipartisan Taskforce that produced the Assembly Speaker's Policy on Sexual Harassment, Retaliation and Discrimination. Lavine is also President of the New York Chapter of the National Association of Jewish Legislators and a member of its National Board of Directors.