Washington, DC – The House of Representatives, today, passed HR 1592 the bi-partisan Hate Crimes Prevention Act.  This bill focuses on providing new resources to help state and local law enforcement agencies prevent and prosecute hate crimes, and also closes gaps in current federal hate crimes law.  Congressman Al Green (TX-09) voted in favor of passage.

Hate crimes spread fear and violence among too many American communities.  Yet local law enforcement continues to lack some of the tools and resources they need to prevent and prosecute them.  In 2003, the FBI announced that there were more than 9,000 reported hate violence victims in the United States — almost 25 victims a day, or approximately one hate crime every hour.  Currently, federal law limits federal jurisdiction over hate crimes to incidents directed against individuals on the basis of race, religion, color or national origin only when the victim is targeted because he or she is engaged in a federally protected activities.  H.R. 1592 broadens this provision to cover all violent crimes motivated by race, color, religion, or national origin when the defendant causes bodily injury, or attempts to cause bodily injury through the use of fire, a firearm, or an explosive device.  

The Hate Crimes Prevention Act also extends existing protections to include groups that have historically been affected by violence including those affected gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.  It assists local law enforcement by allowing the Federal government to provide crucial federal resources to state and local agencies, which would better equip local officers with the tools they need to prosecute hate crimes.  The bill also sets requirements for federal prosecution of hate crimes and broadens the collection of important statistics by requiring that the FBI collect statistics on gender and gender identity-related bias crimes, as well as juvenile victims and offenders.

“This great nation was founded on the ideals of liberty and justice for all. America is not a nation of hate.  When we allow innocent Americans to suffer physical violence because of the color of their skin, their age, their gender, or personal preferences- we do a disservice to the very essence of our nation.  The time has come for our federal government to stand up for the rights of all Americans to exist freely- without fear from prejudice.  The time has come for our federal government to truly provide liberty and justice for all Americans,” stated Congressman Green.  “Dr. King indicated that, “Cowardice asks the question, ‘Is it safe?' Expediency asks the question, 'Is it politic?'  Vanity asks the question, ‘Is it popular? But conscience asks the ultimate question, ‘Is it right?' And there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular but because conscience tells one it is right.”  Let us not vote for this bill because it is the safe thing to do, let us not vote for this bill because it is the popular thing to do, let us vote with our conscience and vote for this bill because it is the right thing to do.”

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