Hate Crimes Prevention Act

During the 106th Congress, the Hate Crimes Prevention Act passed the U.S. Senate on June 20, 2000 with strong bi-partisan support by a margin of 57 to 42. On September 13, 2000, the House voted in strong, bi-partisan support of the Senate-passed measure, 232-192. Thus the members of both Houses of Congress voted in support of signing the Hate Crimes prevention Act into law in the 106th Congress!

Unfortunately, the leadership of the House and the Senate, both of which are opposed to strengthening Hate Crimes Prevention legislation, saw to it that the legislation never got to President Clinton’s desk for his signature. Thus, despite the overwhelming support it received from members of both bodies, as well as our best efforts, and heavy pressure from the Administration, the legislation died.

The Hate Crimes Prevention Act would strengthen existing laws in two ways. First, it would make it easier for the federal government to get involved in investigating; prosecuting and preventing hate crimes across the country. Secondly, the proposed Hate Crimes Prevention Act would expand the definition of hate crime as one that is perpetrated against a person because of the victim’s gender, disability or sexual orientation. Hate Crimes are currently defined as ones in which the victim’s race, ethnicity or religion is the motivating factor.

The Hate Crimes Prevention Act has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congressman John Conyers (D-MI) over the past several years; Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA) has been the lead Senate champion. Both Congressman Conyers and Senator Kennedy have indicated that they intend to reintroduce this legislation in the 107th Congress.