[Congressional Bills 106th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Con. Res. 120 Introduced in Senate (IS)]







106th CONGRESS
  2d Session
S. CON. RES. 120

To express the sense of Congress regarding the need to pass legislation 
         to increase penalties on perpetrators of hate crimes.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                 June 7 (legislative day, June 6), 2000

    Mr. Robb (for himself, Mr. Reid, and Mr. Kennedy) submitted the 
following concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on 
                             the Judiciary

_______________________________________________________________________

                         CONCURRENT RESOLUTION


 
To express the sense of Congress regarding the need to pass legislation 
         to increase penalties on perpetrators of hate crimes.

Whereas diversity and tolerance are essential principles of an open and free 
        society;
Whereas all people deserve to be safe within their communities, free to live, 
        work, and worship without fear of violence and bigotry;
Whereas crimes motivated by hatred against persons because of their race, color, 
        religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or disability 
        undermine the fundamental values of our Nation;
Whereas hate crimes tear at the fabric of American society, leave scars on 
        victims and their families, and weaken our sense of community and 
        purpose; and
Whereas individuals who commit crimes based on hate and bigotry must be held 
        responsible for their actions and must be stopped from spreading 
        violence: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), 
That it is the sense of Congress that Congress--
            (1) needs to pass legislation that amends the Federal 
        criminal code to set penalties for persons who commit acts of 
        violence against other persons because of the actual or 
        perceived race, color, religion, national origin, gender, 
        sexual orientation, or disability of any person;
            (2) condemns the culture of hate and the hate groups that 
        foster such violent acts;
            (3) commends the communities throughout our Nation that are 
        united in condemning such acts of hate in their neighborhoods;
            (4) commends the efforts of Federal, State, and local law 
        enforcement officials; and
            (5) reaffirms its commitment to a society that fully 
        respects and protects all people, regardless of race, color, 
        religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or 
        disability.
                                 <all>