Clay Applauds Expansion of Federal Hate Crimes Law

Washington, DC - Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay (D) Missouri, hailed today’s passage of expanded Federal Hate Crimes legislation in the U.S. House. H.R. 1913, the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which Mr. Clay cosponsored, was approved by a vote of 249 – 175.

“This bill is a powerful statement that hate has no place in America,” said the Congressman. “It brings existing Federal hate crimes law into the 21st century by broadening it to include crimes motivated by gender, sexual orientation and disability. Existing federal law only covers crimes committed on the basis of race, religion, or national origin.

This bill also allows the Federal Government to provide assistance to State and local law enforcement officials to investigate and streamline prosecution of hate crimes. In my early public career as a state legislator, one of my proudest achievements was writing and passing a tough hate crimes bill in Missouri. Today, I am even more proud to see that protection affirmed at the Federal level for all Americans."

The current bipartisan legislation is supported by a broad coalition, including more than 300 law enforcement, religious, women’s advocacy, civil rights and disability rights organizations.