Senator Specter replies to letter to vote no on the hate crimes bill April 27, 2007
Posted by reformedville in : culture, Government , trackbackSent: Friday, April 27, 2007 4:14 PM
Subject: Re: Hate Crimes
Dear Mr. Balliet:
Thank you for contacting my office regarding hate crimes. I appreciate hearing from you.
A hate crime is typically defined as an act of violence against an individual motivated by the victim’s actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. Current federal law covers only those crimes of violence motivated by racial, religious, or ethnic bias. Moreover, the law only covers instances where the victim is engaged in a “federally protected activity,” such as voting, serving on jury duty, or attending school.
The current federal laws do not provide sufficient protection. That’s why in 1998 I became the lead Republican co-sponsor of the first hate crime bill introduced in the United States Senate. Most recently, I co-sponsored the Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Act in the 109 th Congress - commonly known as the “Hate Crimes bill.” I continue to serve as a leader
of the effort to toughen hate crime laws by expanding the protection they afford through: the removal of the “federally protected activity” requirement, the addition of more protected categories, and strengthening the ability of state and local law enforcement authorities to investigate and prosecute hate crimes with both the assistance of the federal government and grant monies.
The concerns of my constituents are of great importance to me, and I rely on you and other Pennsylvanians to keep me informed of your views and opinions. As a former District Attorney myself, I am confident these much needed changes to the current laws will ensure that Pennsylvania’s law enforcement officers have what they need to more effectively combat the problem of hate-motivated violence.
Should you have any further questions, please contact my office or visit my website at http://specter.senate.gov . Thank you again for writing.
Sincerely,
Arlen Specter
While I certainly disagree with Senator Specter, neither Senator Bob Casey or US Representative John Peterson replied , though Peterson typically will respond personally by US Mail. I had corresponded to all three before posting this article .
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