Barbara Lee Supports Hate Crimes Prevention Act
For Immediate Release
April 29, 2009
Contact: Nicole Y. Williams
(202) 225-2661
Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement in support of the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009. The legislation passed the House by a vote of 249-175.
“In the long history of the United States, there is much to admire and celebrate. But regrettably, there have been episodes in our history that are tragic, violent, and shameful. Among the most horrific are violent crimes motivated by hate. The notorious race riots in Greenwood, Oklahoma and Rosewood, Florida in early years of the last century to the church bombings and attacks on gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered persons are painful reminders that we still have not fully perfected our union.
“Whether it has been the color of their skin, their religion, their gender, their disability, national origin, or their sexual orientation or identity, the sad fact is that too many persons have been the victims of violence, often ending in death, simply because of a characteristic of birth. This senseless violence must end.
“As a person of faith I am pleased that this bill protects any infringement on our freedom of religion or speech and is supported by a number of faith organizations including the Congress of National Black Churches, Episcopal Church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, the Interfaith Alliance, the Presbyterian Church, the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, and the United Methodist Church.
“The passage of the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009 is positive step towards curbing the deep-seated hatred that exists in some quarters towards others simply because they are gay, transgendered, black, Hispanic, Muslim, or just looks different.”
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