Defense Auth. offers defense for hate crimes victims (Rep. Jim Moran)

As a member of the LGBT Equality Caucus, I strongly support the inclusion of the The Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act in the FY10 Defense Authorization bill.  This bipartisan provision, which has passed Congress several times over the past few years, would extend federal hate crimes law to protect individuals targeted because of their sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or disability.  In addition to expanding the categories of hate crimes, it would allow the Justice Department to aid the investigation and prosecution of hate crimes at the local level through technical assistance and supplemental funding.  These provisions are supported by more than 300 law enforcement, religious, civil rights, disability, and other organizations, including such key law enforcement groups as the International Association of Chiefs of Police, National Sheriffs’ Association, Police Executive Research Forum, Police Foundation, and National District Attorneys Association.

Since the federal government began collecting data in 1991, over 100,000 hate crimes have been reported by state and local officials; but most analysts believe this data significantly underreports the actual number of hate crimes.  During this time period, approximately 16% of hate crimes were perpetrated because of a person’s sexual orientation.  With 1,265 reported incidents in 2007, sexual orientation is the third most common target of hate-based violence, trailing only race and religion.

Hate crimes have a chilling effect beyond a particular victim, spreading fear of future attacks among the targeted group.  Congress cannot prevent hate from motivating individuals to commit violence, but we can ensure that the proper laws and resources are available to prosecute these cases to the fullest extent of the law.  Enactment of this legislation is a long overdue step in combating all forms of hate-based violence that impact communities across the country.