JCPA: Senators Give Final Congressional Approval for Enhanced Hate Crime Laws
Posted by JCPA
05:48 PM Oct 22, 2009
WASHINGTON - With final congressional approval of enhanced hate crime laws, the new challenge is in teaching tolerance for all, said a leading Jewish advocacy organization.
The Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA) today applauded members of the U.S. Senate for approving the conference report of the FY2010 Defense Authorization Act. This legislation gives final congressional approval to the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, legislation which expands federal hate crime laws to provide better protection for vulnerable populations and increases resources to assist local law enforcement agencies in their efforts to deter, investigate and prosecute hate crimes. This legislation also expands the definition of a hate crime to include violent crimes based on gender, gender-identity, sexual orientation and disability.
"Judaism teaches us that all are created in the Divine's image and with these beliefs we try to teach our children respect and dignity for all human beings," said Rabbi Steve Gutow, president of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs. "Although no crime is justified, attacks on individuals because of one's race, religion, sexual orientation or simply intolerance of others are particularly heinous. We deeply appreciate those within the human and civil rights community and on Capitol Hill who have diligently fought for passage of this legislation for many years. Congressional approval of this legislation is a tremendous achievement. However, we must not lose focus, and we will continue our efforts to teach others to demonstrate the same level of respect and tolerance that we expect for ourselves."
The JCPA has been a leading advocate for passage of the hate crimes legislation. In April of this year, the JCPA hosted a national teleconference for its network of Jewish grassroots organizations and community relations professionals to discuss the importance of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act and mobilize for its passage. Participants heard from one of the legislation's original U.S. House cosponsors, U.S. Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.), and noted hate crimes prevention advocate Michael Lieberman from the Anti-Defamation League, a JCPA national member agency.
The Senate approved the conference report by a vote of 68-29. Earlier this month, the House approved the same legislation by a vote of 281-146. The FY 2010 Defense Authorization Act now goes to President Obama for his approval and enactment.
