[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 92 (Thursday, June 20, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1120]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  CHURCH ARSON PREVENTION ACT OF 1996

                                 ______


                               speech of

                          HON. MARTIN R. HOKE

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 18, 1996

  Mr. HOKE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 3525, the 
Church Arson Prevention Act of 1996. As a member of the Judiciary 
Committee I heard testimony from law enforcement officials that they do 
have the tools they need to effectively fight these abhorrent acts. 
Those resources are provided in this legislation.
  As other Members have recounted, there have been over 100 church 
fires across the United States since October 1991. Most of these fires 
have occurred at predominantly African-American churches located in the 
Southeast. The most recent string of attacks--including two additional 
fires just last night--should serve as a wakeup call to every American 
who is dedicated to protecting our religious heritage, our commitment 
to free expression, and our unyielding determination to preserve law 
and order.
  Through this legislation, we are sending a message: Racism will not 
be tolerated and race-based crimes will not go unpunished. The 
destruction of a house of worship is repulsive and those who commit 
such contemptible acts will be pursued and prosecuted.
  Let us also send this unmistakable message to the twisted, hateful 
perpetrators of these heinous acts: The basic decency, tolerance, and 
compassion of the American people will flower in the ashes of these 
charred sanctuaries. And while we can never forget that there may be an 
ugly capacity to hate in all of us, as individuals and as collective 
members of society we must never tolerate those who give in to such 
tendencies. In many cases these beliefs and practices are embedded deep 
in the soul and no act of Congress will root them out. Therefore, every 
American must be vigilant to stamp out racism and hatred wherever it 
surfaces. Together we can ensure that in America, the principles of 
justice, equality, and brotherhood thrive in the warm glow of freedom.

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