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May 21, 1999/6 Sivan 5759, Vol. 51, No.34
Hate-crimes measure gains momentum
DANIEL KURTZMAN
Jewish Telegraphic Agency
WASHINGTON - Recent public outrage over well-publicized hate crimes has prompted lawmakers to push for a tougher federal hate-crimes statute. But it remains unclear whether a lobbying effort by Jewish and civil rights activists will be enough to overcome opposition in Congress.
The Anti-Defamation League and other Jewish groups have been urging lawmakers to pass the Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which would give the federal government more authority to investigate and prosecute hate-driven violence, while broadening existing law to include crimes committed because of a person's gender, disability or sexual orientation. Current federal law applies only to crimes motivated by race, color, religion or national origin.
"Tragically, the silence of Congress on this basic issue has been deafening, and it is unacceptable," Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.), the lead sponsor of the bill, said during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on the issue last week.
The bill has bipartisan support, including backing from President Clinton, but Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) has raised concerns over whether the proposal is constitutional and what the federal government's role should be in investigating and prosecuting hate crimes at the state level.
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