[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 117 (Monday, September 19, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1885]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     CHILDREN'S SAFETY ACT OF 2005

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. JERROLD NADLER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 14, 2005

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union under consideration in bill (H.R. 3132) to make 
     improvements to the national sex offender registration 
     program, and for other purposes:

  Mr. NADLER. Mr. Chairman, we are faced with an historic opportunity 
this year to pass legislation to combat violent hate crimes that 
continue to plague our country.
  Despite the brutal killing of Matthew Shepard 7 years ago, Congress 
has failed to pass the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention 
Act. We have a rare opportunity today to finally pass this bill as an 
amendment to a crime bill, and we must not let this opportunity pass us 
by again.
  In the years that followed Matthew Shepard's death, thousands of hate 
crimes have been committed and Congress has failed to protect gays, 
lesbians, bisexuals, and transgender individuals from these heinous 
crimes.
  Tragically, we are all far too familiar with the violent acts of hate 
crime. Congress has been too slow in responding to the hate crimes that 
continue to threaten our communities all across America. Time after 
time, we hear horror stories of murderers attacking innocent people 
because they happen to be members of a certain community.
  Remember, hate crimes are especially odious because they victimize 
more than just the individual victim; they also are acts of terrorism 
directed against an entire class of citizens. When a hate crime is 
committed, it sends a message to every member of the targeted group 
that they risk their lives simply by remaining part of that community 
or ascribing to that identity. Americans should never have to be afraid 
to live the way they choose.
  The Conyers amendment would strengthen existing Federal law in two 
ways. First, it removes the requirement that the victim be engaged in a 
federally protected activity when the crime is committed. The amendment 
will thereby make it easier for Federal authorities to prosecute or 
assist local authorities in prosecuting hate crimes. Second, it expands 
the definition of hate crimes to include those motivated by gender, 
gender identity, disability, and sexual orientation.
  We must all redouble our efforts to pass sensible hate crimes 
prevention legislation this year. We must continue our fight to protect 
American families from violent bigotry and vicious acts of hatred. I 
urge my colleagues to vote for the Conyers amendment.

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