Issue Position: Federal Hate Crimes Legislation

Issue Position

At a historic time for our nation when we should celebrate our increasing diversity, hate crimes are disturbingly prevalent and pose a significant threat to the full participation of all Americans in our democratic society. Current law limits federal jurisdiction over hate crimes to incidents directed against individuals on the basis of race, religion, color or national origin -- but only when the victim is targeted because he/she is engaged in a federally protected activity, such as voting. This legislation will extend to crimes motivated by bias against the victim's perceived sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or disability.

I was proud to vote for the landmark Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009 to reinforce many of our basic American values: tolerance, respect for differences, and accountability for hate driven violence. HR 1913 will provide assistance to state and local law enforcement agencies and amend 40 year old federal hate crimes laws to facilitate the investigation and prosecution of violent, hate-motivated crimes. As state and local authorities currently prosecute the overwhelming majority of hate crimes, this legislation will allow the federal government, in appropriate circumstances, to provide support for local prosecutions via an intergovernmental grant program and make grants to state and local law enforcement agencies that have incurred extraordinary expenses associated with the investigation and prosecution of hate crimes.

The Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009 passed the House with wonderful bipartisan support and endorsements from over 300 civil rights, education, religious, and civic organizations and virtually every major law enforcement organization in the country. With a strong statement of Presidential support, the time has finally come for the enactment of this important legislation.

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