Senate adopts resolution recognizing April 24 as California day of commemoration for the Armenian genocide

Senator Perez presented Senate Resolution 33, designating April 24, 2025, as the State of California Day of Commemoration of the 110th anniversary of the Armenian genocide and asking the Legislature to reaffirm California's record of condemning atrocities and supporting genocide education.

The resolution drew several floor statements in support. Senator Archuleta said she had worked with Armenian residents in Montebello and asked colleagues to recognize the history and contributions of Armenian Americans. Senator Richardson and others highlighted California’s large Armenian community and the importance of education to prevent future atrocities. Senator Stern, noting his work with the Holocaust and Genocide Education Council, quoted Adolf Hitler — “who, after all, speaks today of the annihilation of the Armenians?” — to underscore why remembrance matters. Several speakers linked the historical genocide with recent violence and displacement of Armenians in Artsakh and called for continued advocacy and human-rights monitoring.

Following debate, the secretary called the roll. The tally was 36 ayes, 0 noes; the resolution was adopted. Members later introduced students and leaders from California’s Armenian community, including representatives from Sahag Mesrob Armenian School, the Armenian Relief Society of Western USA, AGBU Western Region, the Armenian American Medical Society, the Armenian Assembly of America, the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) Western Region, and the Armenian American Museum.

The floor remarks and the unanimous vote occurred during the Senate’s third-reading period and were followed by a brief recognition of guests from the Armenian community on the chamber floor.