Hispanic State Legislators Condemn Kansas State Representative Virgil Peck's Comments

WASHINGTON, March 17, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators (NHCSL) condemned comments made by Kansas State Representative Virgil Peck before the Kansas House Appropriations Committee.  

In a letter to Kansas State House leaders, NHCSL President, Senator Iris Y. Martinez stated:

"There is no room for the vile language that Rep. Peck employed. While we may continue to debate the merits of immigration policy choices as a country, Representative Peck's words are both inappropriate to the debate, and offensive to all Americans. As the body representing Hispanic State Legislators across the country, NHCSL joins the voices of those imploring Kansas House Leadership to take the strongest actions possible, including a censure of Representative Peck."

NHCSL joins with other national organizations in calling for the Kansas State House leadership to denounce this offensive rhetoric.  As a nation, we must keep in mind that human lives are impacted by the outcome of these discussions and as political leaders we must avoid using language that can lead to deplorable repercussions.

About NHCSL

The NHCSL is the premier national association of Hispanic state legislators working to design and implement policies and procedures that will improve the quality of life for Hispanics throughout the country. NHCSL was founded in 1989 as a nonpartisan, nonprofit 501(c)3 with the mission to be the most effective voice for the more than 300 Hispanic legislators. For more information visit www.nhcsl.org.

SOURCE NHCSL-National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators