WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Lynn Woolsey (D-Petaluma) Wednesday, joined her Democratic colleagues in signing a discharge petition so the House can vote on a bill to protect Americans from hate crimes. Rep. Woolsey is an original supporter of H.R. 1343, the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2001, that would make it easier for federal law enforcement to investigate and prosecute crimes motivated by race, color, religion and national origin, as well as, gender, sexual orientation and disability.

H.R. 1343 was introduced in April 2001, but the “Republican leadership has cast this much-needed bill aside,” said Rep. Woolsey. “That’s unacceptable. Current events show us that protection from crimes of hate is needed now.” The discharge petition allows Judiciary Chairman Sensenbrenner the ability to open the debate. “We are confident that if the Hates Crimes bill receives a fair debate; it will pass,” continued Rep. Woolsey. “Congress has a responsibility to fight against hate. This bill makes good on that responsibility.”

The following is an excerpt from her speech:

“The savage attacks of September 11 caused the deaths of almost 3,000 innocent people, but the violence did not stop there. Assaults against Muslims and Arab-Americans increased dramatically throughout the United States – the Arab-American Anti-Discrimination Committee reported over 5000 incidents of violence last year.

“In California alone, bias motivated assaults increased over 15% during 2001, and in the district I represent, Marin and Sonoma counties, hate crimes were up 8%. What is most surprising is that these two areas are among the most tolerant communities in the country.

“Presently, law enforcement has its hands tied when it comes to fighting and prosecuting hate crimes. But we have a solution right here. The Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2001 will offer federal authorities the muscle they need to effectively prosecute hate crimes throughout the country.

“While we continue the war against terrorism, and debate the possibility of going to war with Iraq, we must find an answer to the fear and violence happening in our local communities. We must prevent these terrible acts of hate.

“No one in America should live in fear because of his or her ethnic background or religious affiliation - ever. We must send the message that this behavior is wrong and will not be tolerated. We must pass meaningful hate crimes legislation that will protect our children from violence and prevent Americans from living in fear.”

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