Larson Commends Passage of Hate Crimes Prevention Act
April 28, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC – The House of Representatives passed legislation today that will protect all Americans by expanding the definition of a hate crime and providing law enforcement officers with the tools they need to prosecute such crimes. Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01), Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, said:
“Today, the House of Representatives underscored once and for all that we will not tolerate hatred and discrimination in this country.
“This bill expands the definition of a hate crime and gives our local law enforcement officers the tools they need to fully investigate and prosecute such heinous crimes. It has been a long time coming, and I am proud that we now have a partner like President Obama in the White House working with us to protect all Americans.
“This legislation stands as a testament to the 1998 murder of teenager Matthew Shepard in Laramie, Wyoming. It has been more than a decade since his death – but his memory lives on in this bill and the fight for justice that this bill progresses.
“This past week, Matthew’s mother, Judy, spoke to our caucus for the second time. She urged us to pass this legislation so other families don’t have to suffer the way hers has – unable to prosecute her son’s killers to the fullest extent of the law.
“I am proud to join my colleagues and so many law enforcement, religious, women’s advocacy, disability and civil rights organizations in support of this bill. The victims of hate crimes and their families now know that this Congress stands with them.”
