Senator Gaston Condemns Hateful Comments about Puerto Rican Community at Madison Square Garden

State Senator Herron Keyon Gaston (D-Bridgeport) is releasing the following statement following the racist remarks against Puerto Rico and Latinos made at former President Donald Trump’s rally on Sunday at Madison Square Garden:

“Freedom of speech and hate speech are not synonymous. The racist remarks made this past weekend were disgusting undermining Latinos and people from the Puerto Rican community perpetuating offensive stereotypes and discrimination. Our Puerto Rican community here in Connecticut bring incredible vibrancy, culture, warmth and sharing their rich traditions. The Puerto Rican community’s emphasis on kindness, and community spirit creates a home where everyone is welcome. Connecticut has no room for hate here and hearing those remarks unfortunately resulted in knowing that there are still people in our society who espouse vitriolic and diabolical presuppositions about certain groups of people. We will not go back. We will forge an even stronger way forward because it’s our rich diversity that makes us one of the most powerful and envious nations in the world.”