[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 27 (Wednesday, March 9, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E393-E394]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         INTRODUCTION OF HATE CRIMES STATISTICS IMPROVEMENT ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 9, 2005

  Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, today I join my colleagues, 
Representatives Weiner,

[[Page E394]]

Cummings, Barbara Lee, Gutierrez, George Miller, Woolsey, Lofgren, 
Gonzales, Sanders, and Linda Sanchez in introducing the Hate Crimes 
Statistics Improvement Act.
  The Hate Crimes Statistics Improvement Act will ensure that hate 
crimes motivated by gender are accounted for by the FBI and local law 
enforcement agencies. With accurate data, local communities can 
identify gender-based hate crimes in their area and chart their 
progress toward eliminating them. Moreover, the inclusion of gender 
will send a strong message that gender-based hate crimes will not be 
tolerated.
  In states with gender-based hate crimes laws, prosecutors typically 
must present concrete evidence that the criminal act was committed due 
to gender bias. Obviously, not all crimes against women are gender-
based crimes, and prosecutors should have discretion in identifying 
what constitutes a gender-based hate crime. The process of discussing 
these differences will improve the understanding of all hate crimes by 
law enforcement personnel and will improve reporting of these tragic 
crimes.
  I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation that will 
help reduce hate crimes against women.

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