Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2007

Floor Speech

LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT HATE CRIMES PREVENTION ACT OF 2007

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Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Hate Crimes Prevention Act. This legislation will expand the Federal definition of hate crimes to include crimes which a victim was selected because of his or her disability.

So much has been done over the years to ensure inclusion of Americans with disabilities in our communities. Sadly, though, there have been shameful instances where these Americans, who may look or speak differently than others, are victims of abuse, neglect or targeted crimes. Investigating and prosecuting hate violence against someone with a disability involves unique challenges to law enforcement. Many violent crimes against people with disabilities go unreported or unprosecuted. Providing Federal resources to law enforcement is essential to help ensure proper prosecution of these crimes.

I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

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Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1592, the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2007. This legislation will expand the Federal definition of hate crimes, allowing for Federal resources for law enforcement in their investigations and prosecutions of hate crimes.

I come to the floor today to draw attention to the inclusion of crimes in which a victim was selected because of his or her disability.

The Supreme Court's Olmstead decision, the ADA and other progressive policies have resulted in increased inclusion of Americans with disabilities in our classrooms, workplaces and communities. As a nation, we are growing in our acceptance of those who are perceived as ``different.'' But this effort has not been without growing pains. Many people with disabilities look or speak differently or struggle with challenges like chronic seizures. We have seen too many shameful instances where these Americans are the victims of abuse, neglect and targeted crimes.

I recently learned the story of Ricky Whistnant, a mentally retarded adult man who was excited to have the opportunity to live independently at the age of 39. With the support of a local social service agency, he moved out of a Connecticut state group home and learned to cook for himself, maintain an apartment and be a part of the community. One evening, after cooking himself a chicken dinner, Ricky went to the corner store to buy some soda. He encountered a group of teenagers who mocked him, followed him back to his apartment, hurled a soda bottle at him. After he fell, striking his head on a windowsill, the boys continued to kick and taunt him. Ricky died a short time later in the hospital.

Ricky's story is extreme, but it is not isolated. It represents the reality of the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. Investigating and prosecuting hate violence against someone with a disability involves unique challenges to law enforcement, and sadly many violent crimes against people with disabilities go unreported or unprosecuted.

As policymakers, we have a responsibility to address this problem. The inclusion of disability in the Federal hate crimes statute is a meaningful and substantive way to combat violence against Americans with disabilities. I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of H.R. 1592.

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