[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 35, Number 9 (Monday, March 8, 1999)]
[Page 374]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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.