ADL Praises Renewed Congressional Effort to Expand Federal Investigative Authority on Hate Crimes
New York, N.Y., May 1, 2003 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today welcomed the Senate re-introduction of the Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Act (LLEEA), a bill designed to expand coordination between federal and state law enforcement officials to address hate crimes. Despite widespread bipartisan support in the 107th Congress, the bill was prevented from being voted on by a Senate filibuster.
In regard to the LLEEA, Glen A. Tobias, ADL National Chairman, and Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director, said:
We urge Congress to enact the Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Act this year, as it will expand coordination and cooperation between federal and state law enforcement. The LLEEA will fill in the gaps where existing law does not provide authority for federal involvement in sexual orientation, gender or disability cases.
It is important for Congressional leaders to reinforce the message that acts of bigotry and hate are unacceptable in America. By enabling federal and local authorities to work together more effectively on cases of bias-motivated violence, Members of Congress will demonstrate that there is a commitment to being vigilant in the fight against hate. Forty-six 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.
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