Although busy today on other issues, the White House issued a statement from the President urging the House to pass the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act (H.R. 1913), which is due to come up in the U.S. House of Representatives this week.
It’s been more than ten years in the waiting, but it would appear that the hate crimes prevention bill might just become law this year. The bill adds hate crimes penalty enhancements based on sexual orientation, gender identity or the disability of the victim, in addition to providing help for local law enforcement in investing such crimes.
The only Ohio representatives listed as co-sponsors are Reps. Driehaus, Fudge, Kilroy and Kucinich. For Fudge and Kucinich in Cleveland and Kilroy in Columbus, this was an easy call (Kilroy’s Republican predecessor, Deb Pryce, was a cosponsor), and I thank them for their support — but this was a great first sign from freshman Rep. Steve Driehaus that he will stick to his beliefs despite being in a less obviously pro-LGBT district.
Missing Ohio Democrats include Reps. Boccieri, Kaptur, Ryan, Space, Sutton and Wilson. I will admit being a little disappointed that none of the non-Cleveland northeastern Ohio Dems are on board. No Republicans in Ohio are listed as co-sponsors. Call your reps — on either side of the aisle — and make sure they will be at least voting for the bill.
The Congressional Research Service summary of the bill and the full text of Obama’s statement are below the jump.
Congressional Research Service Summary
4/2/2009–Introduced.Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009 – Authorizes the Attorney General to provide technical, forensic, prosecutorial, or other assistance in the criminal investigation or prosecution of any crime that: (1) constitutes a crime of violence under federal law or a felony under state, local, or Indian tribal law; and (2) is motivated by prejudice based on the actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability of the victim, or is a violation of the state, local, or tribal hate crime laws. Directs the Attorney General to give priority for assistance to crimes committed by offenders who have committed crimes in more than one state and to rural jurisdictions that have difficulty covering the extraordinary investigation or prosecution expenses.
Authorizes the Attorney General to award grants to assist state, local, and Indian law enforcement agencies with such extraordinary expenses. Directs the Office of Justice Programs to: (1) work closely with funded jurisdictions to ensure that the concerns and needs of all affected parties are addressed; and (2) award grants to state and local programs designed to combat hate crimes committed by juveniles.
Amends the federal criminal code to prohibit willfully causing bodily injury to any person because of the actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability of such person.
Amends the Hate Crimes Statistics Act to expand data collection and reporting requirements under such Act to include: (1) crimes manifesting prejudice based on gender and gender identity; and (2) hate crimes committed by and against juveniles.
Declares that nothing in this Act shall be construed to prohibit the exercise of constitutionally-protected free speech.
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THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 28, 2009
STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT ON H.R. 1913, THE LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT HATE CRIMES
PREVENTION ACT OF 2009
This week, the House of Representatives is expected to consider H.R. 1913, the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009. I urge members on both sides of the aisle to act on this important civil rights issue by passing this legislation to protect all of our citizens from violent acts of intolerance – legislation that will enhance civil rights protections, while also protecting our freedom of speech and association. I also urge the Senate to work with my Administration to finalize this bill and to take swift action.
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Chris Geidner is the award-winning senior political editor at D.C.'s Metro Weekly and has written for The Atlantic Online, The American Prospect, Advocate.com, Salon and other publications, as well as at his blog, Law Dork. In 2011, he received the Excellence in News Writing Award from the National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association for his coverage of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" repeal. Prior to moving to D.C. in 2009, he served as an attorney on the senior staff at the Ohio Attorney General's Office and had earlier worked for a leading Columbus law firm. An extended biography can be found