[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 70 (Thursday, June 8, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E913-E914]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             A CALL TO PASS THE HATE CRIMES PROTECTION ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. CONSTANCE A. MORELLA

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 7, 2000

  Mrs. MORELLA. Mr. Speaker, two years ago today the conscience of the 
nation was shaken by the cruel and brutal murder of a black man, James 
Byrd, by white racists, and there were renewed calls for Congress to 
pass the Hate Crimes Prevention Act.
  The murder four months later of Matthew Shepard because of his sexual 
orientation had a similar impact on the public. Since then, Jews, 
Asians, blacks, women and homosexuals have been attacked in well-
publicized, widely condemned acts in Illinois, California,

[[Page E914]]

Pennsylvania, and even my own state of Maryland, and in a number of 
other jurisdictions around the country, solely because of who they are.
  Those who argue that the apprehension and prosecution of the 
perpetrators in the high profile cases of Byrd and Shepard obviates the 
need for HCPA have failed to appreciate the assistance which HCPA would 
provide to local law enforcement. For example, because of the federal 
jurisdiction granted in the race-based Byrd case, Jasper authorities 
were able to access nearly $300,000 of federal grant money to help 
bring those killers to justice. In contrast, while the authorities in 
Laramie, Wyoming, faced similar challenges in the investigation and 
prosecution in the murder of Matthew Shepard, they were unable to 
access any federal money. Unfortunately, because sexual orientation is 
not currently covered under federal law, the Laramie law enforcement 
officials were forced to furlough five law enforcement employees to 
help cover the cost of bringing those killers to justice.
  While murder is the most prominent example of hate violence, other 
Americans continue to be brutalized, beaten, harassed, hazed, and 
vandalized simply because of who they are. No one in our great land 
should have to be concerned for their safety solely because of their 
race, gender, sexual orientation, or religious belief. HCPA will 
strengthen law enforcement efforts to ensure that hate-motivated crimes 
are investigated and prosecuted. We should pass it this year.

                          ____________________