There is no place in this country for racism, sexism, anti-Semitism, discrimination against immigrants, or prejudice against individuals because they are lesbians, gays, bisexuals or transgenders. In 39 states in this country it is still legal for lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender workers to be fired based on their sexual preference or gender identity. The Federation supports the enactment of legislation to deal with the growing number of hate crimes, and the active prosecution of extreme right wing and racist organizations and militias. The spread of hate radio talk shows is creating a political climate, which encourages hate crime by legitimizing racism, sexism, anti-union hysteria, xenophobia and homophobia. Television and radio stations which air hate radio for profit should have their licenses revoked because of their gross violation of the public interest, and we should not patronize advertisers who support it.
Discrimination based on age is equally unacceptable.
Our youth must also be protected from the inequities of the workplace and those of the criminal justice system. Young persons must be provided opportunities for advancement in our society and not subject to tougher laws that send them spiraling down a path from which they cannot re-emerge. This is why the Federation opposed Proposition 21 which imposes tougher sentences on juveniles convicted of crimes, increases the range of circumstances under which juveniles are tried as adults and establishes stiffer punishments for gang related offenses. Since there is not currently adequate information regarding racial profiling, it is necessary to gather more information about which sectors of the population are being singled out for routine traffic stops and why. Driving while black should not and must not be a crime.