U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette: Historic Vote Protects All Americans

Press Release

U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette: Historic Vote Protects All Americans

Chief Deputy Whip Diana DeGette (D-CO) voted today to provide historic protections for Americans victimized by hate crimes. H.R. 1592, Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2007, which passed the U.S. House of Representative by a vote of 237-180, broadens the U.S. Department of Justice's jurisdiction to prosecute violent crimes against Americans who have been singled out because of their gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability.

"This bill sends a message that society will not tolerate hate crimes," said Rep. DeGette. "In Colorado and across the country too many Americans are targeted because of who they are, the color of their skin, or their disability. This legislation enables law enforcement to fully prosecute hate crimes and opens the halls of justice to all Americans victimized by these abhorrent crimes."

H.R. 1592, broadens Federal law to cover violent crimes motivated by gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability. It also authorizes the U.S. Attorney General to make grants to State and local law enforcement agencies that have incurred extraordinary expenses associated with the investigation and prosecution of these crimes.

"All Americans have a fundamental right to feel safe in their communities," said Rep. DeGette. "I was proud to stand with my colleagues in Congress for this historic vote to ensure every American is treated equally and no individual is threatened with violence for who they are."

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