[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 92 (Thursday, June 20, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1142-E1143]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  CHURCH ARSON PREVENTION ACT OF 1996

                                 ______


                               speech of

                        HON. WILLIAM J. MARTINI

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 18, 1996

  Mr. MARTINI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend my House colleagues 
for the unanimous support shown for H.R. 3525, the Church Arson 
Prevention Act of 1996. We have sent a clear and unmistakable message 
that this Congress stands united against hatred.
  Since October 1991, we have witnessed more than 100 different acts of 
probable arson specifically targeting churches. Over half of the 
churches burned have been predominantly African-American congregations.
  Mr. Speaker, it is one thing to stand up and vigorously denounce 
these racist and antireligious hate crimes; however, it is far more 
important to actually do something about them. We need the ability to 
combat this problem and that is why H.R. 3525 is more than a simple 
denouncement. It will give the Federal Government the ability to 
prosecute and punish those who burn or desecrate religious property. 
Furthermore, it will also bring aid to the victims of these crimes, who 
are often underinsured or completely uninsured.

[[Page E1143]]

  Clearly, no one is insulated from the flames of hatred. Even in my 
home State of New Jersey, a church was recently burned. I am proud to 
say that a leader in the African-American community in New Jersey is 
working very hard to combat the burning and desecration of places of 
worship. Minister and New Jersey Assemblyman Alfred E. Steele, a 
constituent of mine from Paterson, NJ, has introduced a bill on the 
State level to stiffen penalties for arson at churches, synagogues, and 
mosques.
  Mr. Speaker, although these crimes have been primarily directed 
against African-American congregations, I must hasten to point out that 
they are an assault on those who believe in the freedom and tolerance 
of the United States. As Assemblyman Steele has said, ``If they attack 
one, they have attacked all of us.'' With the Church Arson Prevention 
Act, we can now fight back. We have clearly and decisively acted to end 
this most vicious and destructive form of intimidation.

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