    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 36, Number 25 (Monday, June 26, 2000)]
    [Pages 1416-1417]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Statement on Senate Action on Hate Crimes Legislation

    June 20, 2000

        Today the Senate held a historic and long-overdue vote on hate
    crimes legislation. I applaud the Senate for passing this crucial
    measure, and recognize the efforts of Senator Kennedy on this important
    issue. This amendment recognizes that hate crimes are different from
    other crimes. When Americans are targeted just because of who they

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    are--whether because of race, color, religion, national origin, gender,
    sexual orientation, or disability--they hurt more. These crimes affect
    entire communities and strike at the heart of our American system of
    values. This important legislation sends a message that everyone is
    protected under the law.
        This legislation also recognizes that State and local law
    enforcement still have primary responsibility for investigating and
    prosecuting hate crimes. It provides much needed assistance for State
    and local law enforcement agencies. It provides financial assistance
    through grants and help with investigations and prosecutions so that
    Federal, State, and local law enforcement can work together to ensure
    that perpetrators of hate crimes are brought to justice. In addition,
    the legislation ensures that Federal law enforcement officers confer
    with State and local law enforcement before bringing a case in Federal
    court.
        Today a majority of the Senate has spoken. We must all work together
    to ensure that this amendment is not removed during conference. I urge
    all Members of Congress to send me this legislation to sign into law.