The best way to protect the innocent is swift and sure punishment for all criminals. All violent crime is hate crime, and federal hate crime laws should be vigorously enforced. I also believe the federal government should provide financial assistance to local jurisdictions that lack resources to adequately prosecute violent hate crimes.
Hate crimes are often the most vicious, and the most violent of crimes.
But more serious still is the fact that their very purpose is to dehumanize and to stigmatize-not only to wound the victim, but also to distort the American conscience. As president, I will continue to pressure Congress to pass the Hate Crimes Prevention Act. The HCPA would expand the definition of hate crimes to include those of sexual orientation, gender or disability and allow for the prosecution of those crimes under federal law. I urge Congress to stand together against intolerance, against prejudice, and against violent and senseless bigotry and pass this important legislation. Let s punish crimes of hate with the full force of our laws.