Hate Crimes Legislation Signed into Law

“This new law marks a great victory for tolerance in America,” said Serrano. “It includes new resources and new federal authority to fight these terrible crimes. As important, this new law reaffirms our nation’s commitment to freedom and equality. We may have further to go along this road, but the Hate Crimes Prevention Act is a big step along the way.”

The hate crimes legislation included in the bill expands federal authority to prosecute crimes motivated by an individual’s actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability. In addition the bill provides resources to local authorities in the investigation of hate crimes, and authorizes the Department of Justice to assist is such investigations.