The David Ray Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2007, H.R. 254 would create separate federal offenses for crimes against victims who were specifically targeted because of their race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, gender, disability, or sexual orientation. The use of violence against any innocent person is wrong and all crimes of violence should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Every jurisdiction in the United States prohibits battery and murder, and I doubt strongly that increased federal involvement in these state issues would have any significant effect on these crimes. I will not support hate crimes legislation, including the David Ray Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2007. We already have sufficient laws in place to punish these criminals.

If we prioritize crimes based on the victim's status, we threaten the very notion of equal protection under the law that is the foundation of our legal system. Instead, all violations of the law should be dealt with in a manner that delivers justice on behalf of victims and their families. As a society, we must do what we can to prevent all crimes.