[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 51 (Thursday, April 30, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S3946]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




SENATE RESOLUTION 221--DESIGNATING APRIL 30, 1998, AS ``NATIONAL ERASE 
                  THE HATE AND ELIMINATE RACISM DAY''

  Mr. BURNS (for himself, Mr. Baucus, Mr. Abraham, Mr. Allard, Mr. 
Campbell, Ms. Collins, Mr. Craig, Mr. Enzi, Mr. Gorton, Mr. Gramm, Mr. 
Grams, Mr. Grassley, Mr. Hagel, Mr. Hatch, Mrs. Hutchison, Mr. 
Kempthorne, Mr. Mack, Ms. Snowe, Mr. Thurmond, Mr. Warner, Mr. 
Bingaman, Mr. Conrad, Mr. Daschle, Mr. Dodd, Mr. Dorgan, Mr. Durbin, 
Mr. Glenn, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Kennedy, Mr. Kerry, Mr. Lautenberg, Mr. 
Lieberman, Ms. Moseley-Braun, Mr. Moynihan, Mrs. Murray, Mr. Reid, Mr. 
Robb, Mr. Sarbanes, Mr. Torricelli, Mr. Wyden, Mr. Inouye, Mr. Kerrey, 
Mr. Kohl, Ms. Landrieu, Mr. Levin, Mr. Specter, Mr. Murkowski, Mr. 
DeWine, Mr. Akaka, Mrs. Boxer, and Mrs. Feinstein) submitted the 
following resolution; which was considered and agreed to:

                              S. Res. 221

       Whereas the term `hate crime' means an offense in which one 
     or more individuals, commits an offense (such as an assault 
     or battery (simple or aggravated), theft, criminal trespass, 
     damage to property, mob action, disorderly conduct, or 
     telephone harassment) by reason of the race, color, creed, 
     religion, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, physical or 
     mental disability, or national origin of another individual 
     or group of individuals;
       Whereas there are almost 8,000 hate crimes reported to the 
     Department of Justice each year, and the number of hate 
     crimes reported increases each year;
       Whereas hate crimes have no place in a civilized society 
     that is dedicated to freedom and independence, as is the 
     United States;
       Whereas the people of the United States must lead and set 
     the example for the world in protecting the rights of all 
     people;
       Whereas the people of the United States should take 
     personal responsibility for and action against hatred and 
     hate crimes;
       Whereas the Members of Congress, as representatives of the 
     people of the United States, must take personal 
     responsibility for and action against hatred and hate crimes;
       Whereas the laws against hate crimes, which have been 
     passed by Congress and signed by the President, must be 
     supported and implemented by the people of the United States 
     and by Federal, State, and local law enforcement officials 
     and other public servants: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) designates April 30, 1998, as `National Erase the Hate 
     and Eliminate Racism Day'; and
       (2) requests that the President issue a proclamation 
     calling upon the people of the United States and throughout 
     the world to recognize the importance of using each day as an 
     opportunity to take a stand against hate crimes and violence 
     in their nations, states, neighborhoods and communities.

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