Improving Hate Crimes Laws
Hate crimes are serious and well-documented problems but remain inadequately recognized and addressed. The 2007-2009 Public Policy Program of AAUW advocates "freedom from violence and fear of violence in homes, schools, workplaces and communities."1 To this end, AAUW supports legislation such as the Hate Crimes Prevention Act and the Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Act, which would strengthen the federal response to hate crimes.
In 1968, Congress enacted a hate crimes prevention law that covers violent crimes resulting in death or serious bodily injury.2 Crimes must be motivated by a person’s race, color, national origin, or religion and occur while the victim is engaged in a specified federally protected activity. AAUW believes that this important hate crimes prevention law must be extended to cover violent crimes motivated by gender, sexual orientation, or disability and must not be limited to victims engaged in federally protected activities.
For more information, call 202/785-7793 or e-mail VoterEd@aauw.org.
AAUW Public Policy and Government Relations
1 2007 – 09 AAUW Public Policy Program (approved July 2007).
2 Title 18 U.S.C. §245.
