From: Nigel.Allen@bbs.oit.unc.edu (Nigel Allen)
Subject: ADL/Hate Crime Laws
Organization: Echo Beach
Date: Thu, 23 Jul 1992 01:59:13 GMT


Press release from Anti-Defamation League
 
 ADL Unites Government Officials, Law Enforcement and Human Rights 
Groups in Support of Hate Crimes Laws 
 To: National Desk 
 Contact: Myrna Shinbaum, 212-490-2525, ext. 145; or 
          Steven M. Freeman, 212-490-2525, ext. 113, 
          both of the Anti-Defamation League 
 
   NEW YORK, July 21 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Reacting to the confusion 
caused by the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision on hate crimes, 
law enforcement organizations, scores of government officials and 
human rights groups across the country have reaffirmed "our 
commitment to the enactment and vigorous enforcement of 
constitutionally sound laws designed specifically to combat criminal 
conduct motivated by bigotry." 
   At the initiative of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), these 
prominent groups and individuals have signed a statement emphasizing 
that at "a time when tension and unrest are rising among various 
groups in our society, it is more important than ever to deter, 
redress and counteract such crimes." 
   The National District Attorneys Association, at its annual summer 
conference at Amelia Island, Fla., unanimously endorsed the statement 
on Sunday, July 19. 
   The U.S. Conference of Mayors, Fraternal Order of Police, Police 
Foundation, International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement 
Standards and Training, and National Organization of Black Law 
Enforcement Executives have also joined in the statement. 
   Governors, attorneys general, mayors, district attorneys, 
prosecutors, city and county attorneys from across the country have 
made an unequivocal declaration that society will not tolerate 
bias-motivated crime.  Among the national human rights organizations 
that have signed on to date are those representing the Jewish, 
Hispanic, Italian, Japanese, Chinese and gay communities. 
   In striking down the St. Paul, Minnesota Bias-Motivated Crime 
Ordinance in RAV vs. St. Paul, the Supreme Court did not address 
penalty enhancement hate crimes legislation which punishes criminal 
conduct, not speech.  Penalty enhancement is applied only when 
criminal actions were prompted by demonstrated bigotry. 
   In 1981, ADL drafted model hate crimes legislation based on the 
penalty enhancement concept, and more than 30 states have enacted 
statutes similar to the league's model.  Distinguished judges, 
prosecutors and legal scholars around the country have endorsed the 
constitutionality of the ADL approach. 
   Following is the complete text of the statement: 
 
   In light of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in RAV vs. St. 
Paul, questions have arisen regarding the validity of hate crimes 
laws.  We believe a recent upsurge in hate-motivated violence 
nationwide makes it essential to continue combatting crimes motivated 
by bigotry and prejudice.  At a time when tension and unrest are 
rising among various groups in our society, it is more important than 
ever to deter, redress and counteract such crimes. 
   We strongly condemn hate-motivated crimes which divide and 
fragment this nation's communities.  We reaffirm our commitment to 
the enactment and vigorous enforcement of constitutionally sound laws 
designed specifically to combat criminal conduct motivated by 
bigotry. 
 -30- 
	
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