May 4, 2009
Rep. Tsongas weighs in on passage of hate crimes legislation
Robert Nesti READ TIME: 2 MIN.
Congresswoman Niki Tsongas of Lowell released a statement after voting today in favor of the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act, better known simply as the hate crimes bill. The proposal, which provides legal protections for victims of hate crimes based on sexual orientation and gender identity, passed by a vote of 249-175, including the support of the entire 8-member Massachusetts delegation. So why is Tsongas the only one who released a statement lauding the passage of this important legislation, which President Barack Obama has pledged to sign into law should it pass in the Senate? We'll give Congressman Barney Frank a pass, considering his longtime leadership on the issue and his floor speech in favor of the bill. But we haven't received statements from any other members of the Bay State congressional crew, and a perusal of each of their website turned up nothing. Come on guys, show some pride.
Tsongas, on the other hand, has consistently touted movement on LGBT issues in Congress to the folks back here in Massachusetts, including circulating her remarks at a hearing on a bill to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell last July. And here's the text of today's statement on the hate crimes bill.
Tsongas applauds passage of hate crimes legislation
WASHINGTON, DC - April 29, 2009 - This evening, the House of Representatives passed the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act which extends legal protections to victims of hate crimes motivated by sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or disability. Fifth District Congresswoman Niki Tsongas voted in support of the legislation and released the following statement.
"Intolerance and crimes motivated by hatred have no place in our society. The bipartisan Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act passed by the House of Representatives this afternoon affirms this principle by extending federal jurisdiction to hate crimes based on a person's sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or disability. The legislation also provides assistance to state and local law enforcement to streamline the investigation and prosecution of hate crimes.
"Under current law, the federal government can only investigate hate crimes motivated by the victim's race, color, religion or national origin. The sensible inclusion of other targets of hate crimes will help protect all people who suffer from these shameful acts.
"Our nation is stronger for its commitment to defending the rights of all people and for putting a high value on the principles of tolerance and human dignity. I was pleased to support the passage of this long overdue legislation."
The Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act is supported by a broad coalition, including more than 300 law enforcement, religious, women's advocacy, civil rights and disability rights organizations. The bill will now awaits consideration in the Senate.
Robert Nesti can be reached at [email protected].
