Asian American groups condemn Branson lawmaker for 'Chinese virus' remark

Groups representing Asian Americans condemned a Branson state representative’s use last week of the phrase “Chinese virus."

"While the zombie apocalypse has seen a shortage of revenue for the state, I remind the body that the Chinese virus has not shut down one business,” Rep. Brian Seitz said during a March 9 discussion in the House. “Government has shut down businesses and created this shortfall.”

The Asian American Bar Association of Kansas City, St. Louis Asian American Chamber of Commerce, Missouri Asian American Bar Association and the Organization of Chinese Americans in St. Louis issued a joint statement that use of the term "Chinese virus" is "unacceptable."

“The continued use of the term is at best willful blindness to the effect these words have, or at worst, deliberate use of racist rhetoric for political gain at the expense of Asian Americans," the statement reads.

The groups say such language is helping to fuel a wave of hate crimes against Asian Americans.

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