Congressman Jerrold Nadler (NY-08), Chairman of the Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, today hailed the passage H.R.1592, the "The Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2007." Since arriving in Congress, Rep. Nadler has been an original sponsor of all the various versions of this legislation.

"Today, we paid a sad but fitting tribute to victims of hate crimes like James Byrd, Matthew Shepherd and Michael Sandy," said Rep. Nadler. "No American should be threatened with violence because of who they are. Hate crimes attack not only the individual victim, but they send a violent message to an entire group of people. This hate crimes legislation takes critical steps to address violent bigotry and vicious acts of hatred. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to swiftly act to protect all Americans."

Adopted on a vote of 237 to 180, the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2007 would significantly enhance the ability of federal law enforcement to assist in the investigation and prevention of a wide range of violent hate crimes committed because of bias based on the actual or perceived race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or disability of the victim. The bill would also provide financial assistance to help local and state governments meet the extraordinary expenses that may occur in the prosecution of hate crimes.

"This bill represents a major milestone for gay and lesbian Americans in the fight against hate crimes," Rep. Nadler added. "And I am also particularly proud that we were able to secure the inclusion of protections based on gender identity as well. This marks a historic achievement for the LGBT community as a whole."

Rep. Nadler, in his remarks on the House floor, highlighted the example of Michael Sandy of Brooklyn, a victim of a hate crime. Last October in New York City, three men lured Mr. Sandy to a parking lot, beat him and chased him into traffic, where he was struck by a car. He died five days later, one day after his 29th birthday. He was attacked because he was gay.

"Contrary to what opponents have said, this bill does not create a ‘thought police,’" Rep. Nadler added. "The bill only punishes vicious acts – not beliefs or thoughts. We can, and must, fight violent acts based on discrimination and hatred and still protect the Constitution."