Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act Of 2007

Floor Speech

LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT HATE CRIMES PREVENTION ACT OF 2007 -- (House of Representatives - May 03, 2007)

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Ms. LINDA T. SÁNCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to show my support for H.R. 1592, The Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2007.

Freedoms of speech, expression, and equal protection under the law are the founding principles of this country. The Constitution guarantees these rights to all Americans. I believe that it is our duty to fight for the equal rights of all Americans, regardless of their race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.

I abhor all violent crimes. Attacks that are motivated by hate are attacks on a whole class of people. Such hate crimes are intended to instill fear in an entire community and are particularly heinous. We must give law enforcement the proper tools to investigate and prosecute crimes that are motivated by hate.

Laws punishing hate crimes are not intended to value one group over another, but rather to acknowledge the historical bias against certain minority groups and opinions so that all can enjoy the same legal protections as the majority. Hate crime laws protect innocent people and allow them to engage in everyday activity without fear.

I am proud to be an original co-sponsor of this important legislation. This bill helps to better define a hate crime and prevents the erosion of civil liberties critical to our democracy.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source