Rep is drawing criticism for echoing language used by Turkey to deny the Armenian genocide took place.
The resolution drew widespread bipartisan support in the House, passing with a vote of 405 to 11, and was brought to a vote alongside Democratic efforts to sanction Turkey for its incursion into northeastern Syria.
In a written explanation for her vote, Omar said that the recognition of genocide and mass atrocities should be done outside politics and "Based on academic consensus," a phrase that Armenian rights groups say Turkish deniers use to sow doubt.
"Rep. Omar's suggestion that there is no 'academic consensus' effectively denies the Armenian Genocide," said Aram Hamparian, executive director of the Armenian National Committee of America.
Omar's office, on Thursday, sought to clarify that the congresswoman was stating she believes there is academic consensus on the fact that the genocide happened, emphasizing that her vote was a protest to the House using the genocide as a "Political cudgel."
Only 29 countries, now including the United States, recognize the Armenian genocide, according to the Armenian National Institute.
"The International Association of Genocide Scholars, the preeminent body on the subject, has repeatedly and unequivocally affirmed the fact of the Armenian Genocide," said Bryan Ardouny, executive director of the Armenian Assembly of America.
https://thehill.com/homenews/house/468446-omar-comes-under-scrutiny-for-present-vote-on-armenian-genocide
The resolution drew widespread bipartisan support in the House, passing with a vote of 405 to 11, and was brought to a vote alongside Democratic efforts to sanction Turkey for its incursion into northeastern Syria.
In a written explanation for her vote, Omar said that the recognition of genocide and mass atrocities should be done outside politics and "Based on academic consensus," a phrase that Armenian rights groups say Turkish deniers use to sow doubt.
"Rep. Omar's suggestion that there is no 'academic consensus' effectively denies the Armenian Genocide," said Aram Hamparian, executive director of the Armenian National Committee of America.
Omar's office, on Thursday, sought to clarify that the congresswoman was stating she believes there is academic consensus on the fact that the genocide happened, emphasizing that her vote was a protest to the House using the genocide as a "Political cudgel."
Only 29 countries, now including the United States, recognize the Armenian genocide, according to the Armenian National Institute.
"The International Association of Genocide Scholars, the preeminent body on the subject, has repeatedly and unequivocally affirmed the fact of the Armenian Genocide," said Bryan Ardouny, executive director of the Armenian Assembly of America.
https://thehill.com/homenews/house/468446-omar-comes-under-scrutiny-for-present-vote-on-armenian-genocide
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