Chicago, June 27, 2005 – The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today hailed the expansion of the Illinois Hate Crime Statute to include harassment and threats made via electronic communication. Gov. Rod Blagojevich signed the bill into law yesterday. ADL drafted the measure and offered testimony on its behalf. Senate Bill 287 passed both houses of the Illinois legislature unanimously.

Lonnie Nasatir, ADL Greater Chicago/Upper Midwest Regional Director issued the following statement:

At the time of the passage of the Illinois Hate Crime Statute, no one could have anticipated the tremendous growth of the Internet, e-mail and instant messaging. Sadly, these technologies have all too often been hijacked by racists and extremists to harass, spread hate and incite acts of violence.
           
This much needed legislation brings the Illinois Hate Crime Statute into the 21st century. It sends the strong message that these acts of harassment will not be tolerated in Illinois and gives an additional tool to law enforcement in their fight against those who spread hate and undermine the fabric of our society.

We commend the Governor as well as the bill's chief sponsor, Sen. Ira Silverstein, and its other sponsors Sens. Jeffrey Schoenberg, Jacqueline Collins and Carol Ronen, and Reps. Lou Lang, Edward Acevedo, Linda Chapa LaVia, Jack Franks, Elizabeth Coulson, Sara Feigenholtz, Milton Patterson and Kurt Granberg.

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.