The effort to create an atmosphere of fear and intimidation is a different type of crime, and it demands a different kind of response. All Americans have a right to feel safe in their community. The Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Act of 2000 counters this message of intimidation with a strong statement that our society does not condone and will not tolerate hate-based violence. In addition, passage of this legislation will increase public education and awareness, increase the number of victims who come forward to report hate crimes, and increase reporting by local law enforcement to the FBI under the Hate Crimes Statistics Act. In addition to a bipartisan group of 192 House sponsors, this bill is supported by 175 civil rights, religious, civic and law enforcement organizations, including the National Sheriff's Association, the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, the Hispanic National Law Enforcement Association, the National Center for Women and Policing, and the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives.
Hate crimes take many forms and affect many different kinds of victims.
As a Member of Congress who has the privilege of representing a district with a large number of gay and lesbian people, I find it interesting when I hear people talk about tolerance for gay and lesbian people because in our community the issue of tolerance was resolved long ago. We not only tolerate our gay and lesbian friends and neighbors, we take great pride in them and in the contribution that they make to our community in San Francisco, indeed to our great country. Passage of this bill would not end all violence against these communities. But it would allow the Federal Government to respond and take action by investigating and punishing the perpetrators of crimes motivated by hate. I urge my colleagues to vote yes on the motion to instruct.