Hate crimes target an individual because of his or her real or perceived identification with a particular group based on race, color, religion or national origin. Because hate crimes target an entire class of people, they must be dealt with more severely. Equally important, by collecting accurate information about these hate crimes, the government and non-governmental organizations can better plan educational activities to combat hatred. Although the stricter punishment is critical, the goal of hate crimes laws is often tied to the idea of educating perpetrators, law enforcement officers, and the general public about the scourge of hate in our society.
We deplore acts of hate or violence against groups or persons based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, or economic status.
Para. 161 III, The Social Community
Section 245 of Title 18 of the U.S. Code, the primary federal statute used to combat racially and religiously bias-motivated violence, prohibits intentional force or threat of force on the basis of race, color, religion or national origin for the purpose of interfering with an individual’s enjoyment of a federal right or benefit, such as serving on a jury, voting, or going to school.
Under the current statute, the government must prove that the crime occurred because of a person’s membership in a protected group, such as race or religion, and because he/she was enjoying a federally protected activity. In its current form, the statute leaves federal prosecutors powerless to intervene in bias-motivated crimes if they cannot establish the victim’s involvement in a federally protected activity. Additionally, federal authorities cannot intervene in crimes based on sexual orientation, gender identity, gender or disability.
The Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2007 (HR 1913) would amend existing hate crimes law in two ways. First, it would provide new authority for federal officials to investigate and prosecute cases in which the bias violence occurs because of the victim's real or perceived sexual orientation, gender or disability. Second, it would remove an obstacle to federal involvement by permitting prosecutions without having to prove that the victim was attacked because he/she was engaged in a federally-protected activity. While states would continue to play the primary role in prosecuting bias-motivated violence, the LLEHCPA would allow the federal government to address those cases in which local authorities are either unable or unwilling to investigate and prosecute.
In Leviticus 19:17, we are commanded “You shall not hate another in your heart.” Jesus' entire ministry is characterized by his love for all people, and his desire that this love be manifest among his followers. However, all too often history has been plagued by acts of hate and violence. We have become desensitized and too often fail to see hate crimes for what they are: acts designed to victimize and dehumanize an entire community. We also take to heart the commandment “You may not stand idly by when your neighbor’s blood is being shed” (Leviticus 19:16). Our faith tradition consistently teaches the importance of tolerance and the acceptance of others. Inasmuch as we value the pursuit of justice, we must actively work to improve, open, and make safer our communities. As a community, we must continue to work painstakingly for a time when brutality based on fear, intolerance, and prejudice will be distant in the memories of all people.
