[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 10 (Friday, February 8, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E124]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                               H.R. 1343

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                       HON. STEPHANIE TUBBS JONES

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, February 8, 2002

  Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 
1343, the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act. It is time 
that we pass meaningful hate crimes legislation.
  Over the past several years, we have witnessed a rash of violent hate 
crimes across America. And while no law can effectively outlaw bigotry, 
it can be fought by imposing stricter penalties upon those who commit 
hate crimes, by making the laws more inclusive, and collecting more 
accurate information about hate crimes.
  We need to pass legislation that prohibits offenses involving actual 
or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual 
orientation, or disability.
  Right now, in my Congressional district, there is a billboard across 
the street from a public library that is filled with hate for persons 
because of the color of their skin. Now, while I support freedom of 
speech, I also believe that the community can speak out against hatred. 
History has shown us that hate has the potential of criminal behavior.
  I urge my colleagues to vote for legislation that will sustain the 
fabric of this Nation and lead us toward a more united America. I 
encourage my colleagues to vote for H.R. 1343.

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