Representative Henry A. Waxman 30th District of California

Contact: Karen Lightfoot 202.225.3976

Rep. Waxman's Statement in Support of H.R. 1913, the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009

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Washington, Apr 29 - Mr. WAXMAN. Mr. Speaker, hate crimes are fundamentally different from other crimes. Hate crimes--violent acts that target victims precisely because of who they are, or are perceived to be--aim to terrorize, intimidate, and oppress an entire class of people. They are assaults not just on those victims, but on an entire community. When the perpetrators of these acts are not held accountable, we suffer as a nation. 

As a cosponsor of the Matthew Shepard Act, I look forward to its enactment into law. Today there are only 11 States that have hate crime laws that cover both gender and sexual orientation. By expanding the federal definition of a hate crime to include one based on sexual orientation, disability, or gender, we take the first step toward reducing these violent acts across the country. 

This legislation will provide much-needed federal support for local law enforcement so that police can more effectively identify, investigate, and prosecute hate crimes. By joining together at all levels, we can help build safer and more tolerant communities. I urge my colleagues to support this important bill.