    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1999, Book I)]
    [March 5, 1999]
    [Page 321]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Death of Billy Jack Gaither
    March 5, 1999

        I share with many Americans a sense of grief and outrage at the
    tragic and violent death of Billy Jack Gaither in Alabama. This heinous
    and cowardly crime touches the conscience of our country, just as the
    terrible murders of James Byrd in Texas and Matthew Shepard in Wyoming
    did last year.
        In times like this, the American people pull together and speak with
    one voice, because the acts of hatred that led to the deaths of such
    innocent men are also acts of defiance against the values our society
    holds most dear.
        That is why I will continue to work for passage of the ``Hate Crimes
    Prevention Act,'' which can empower the Federal Government, working with
    local authorities, to do even more to deter, investigate, and help
    prosecute crimes of hatred. The legislation would remove needless
    jurisdictional requirements and give the Department of Justice the power
    to prosecute hate crimes committed because of the victim's sexual
    orientation, gender, or disability.
        Laws represent values that we as a society cherish, and among those
    values is a belief that intolerance is un-American. And intolerance,
    left unchallenged, can inspire evil deeds that threaten the very fabric
    of this great country. All Americans deserve protection from hate.
    Nothing is more important to our country's future than our standing
    together against intolerance, prejudice, and violent bigotry. Congress
    can give power to such shared values by passing the ``Hate Crimes
    Prevention Act.'' In so doing, all Americans can be made more safe and
    secure.
        Hillary and I offer our prayers for the family and friends of Mr.
    Gaither, and our hope that their love for him, together with God's
    grace, will carry them through these trying times.