[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 70 (Thursday, May 7, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1083]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT HATE CRIMES PREVENTION ACT OF 2008

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                       HON. LUCILLE ROYBAL-ALLARD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 29, 2009

  Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. Speaker, I was proud to cast my vote along 
with 249 other members of the House of Representatives in favor of the 
Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act. This legislation will 
protect Americans by expanding the definition of hate crimes and 
providing law enforcement officers with the tools they need to 
prosecute these heinous crimes.
  The Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act is not a cure-
all and it will not stop all hate violence, but it will send the 
message that senseless violence is unacceptable and perpetrators will 
be punished. Since law enforcement sometimes lacks the personnel, 
resources or determination needed to properly investigate and prosecute 
hate crimes, this measure will give the appropriate agencies the tools 
they need to combat hate violence in our communities.
  Under current law, the Federal Government can only investigate hate 
crimes motivated by the victim's race, color, religion or national 
origin. The Hate Crimes Prevention Act extends Federal jurisdiction to 
hate crimes motivated by the victim's actual or perceived sexual 
orientation, gender, gender identity or disability. Because such crimes 
are directed at an entire group of people and not just one individual, 
the bill provides assistance to state and local law enforcement to 
streamline the investigation and prosecution of hate crimes.
  It is my hope that the Senate will quickly take up and pass this 
important measure. Hate motivated crimes undermine our communities and 
final passage of this bill has been delayed for far too long. I look 
forward to the day when legislation like this will no longer be needed, 
but until that day comes I applaud passage of the Hate Crimes 
Prevention Act.

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