[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 31 (Saturday, February 17, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E391]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       INTRODUCTION OF THE HATE CRIMES STATISTICS IMPROVEMENT ACT

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                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 16, 2007

  Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Madam Speaker, today, along with 
Representatives Barbara Lee, Elijah Cummings, Zoe Lofgren, Lynn 
Woolsey, and George Miller, I am reintroducing the ``Hate Crimes 
Statistics Improvement Act'' which 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 areas 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.

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