Washington, D.C., March 27, 2001 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today welcomed the

re-introduction in Congress of a bill to expand federal hate crimes legislation. The Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Act, which failed to pass before Congress adjourned last year, received considerable support in both the Senate and the House of Representatives.

"We are pleased that this bill is being introduced in the early months of the 107^th Congress," said Glen A. Tobias, ADL National Chairman, and Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director. "This step underscores the importance that key leaders in both parties have attached to the issue of hate crimes. We fully intend to continue our leadership role in coordinating a coalition of law enforcement, civic, religious, and civil rights groups to advocate for the bill’s adoption."

The proposed hate crime measure would enable federal authorities to assist local prosecutions, and, where appropriate, to investigate and prosecute cases in which bias-motivated violence occurs because of the victim’s race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender or disability. Existing law does not provide authority for federal involvement in sexual orientation, gender or disability cases.

Forty-three states and the District of Columbia have adopted hate crimes laws, many based on ADL model legislation. For more than two decades the League has been a pioneer in drafting and promoting tougher hate crimes laws across the country.

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.