Support Hate Crimes Legislation
June 5, 2002
TO ALL MEMBERS OF THE UNITED STATES SENATE
Dear Senator:
On behalf of 1.4 million members of the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW), I am writing to urge your cosponsorship and support of S.625, the Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Act.
Also known as legislation to deter and prosecute hate crimes, this important bill will strengthen the hands of our nation?s law enforcement authorities in important ways. First, current law only permits federal assistance in investigating and seeking charges when the victims of such crimes are engaging in federally-protected activity (voting, serving on a jury, attending school, etc.). S. 625 would authorize federal assistance whenever death or bodily injury is caused by the use of firearms or explosives, whether the victim is engaging in a federally-protected activity or not. This bill would also authorize federal officials to become involved with hate crimes committed because of a person?s gender, disability, or sexual orientation. Lastly, S. 625 would authorize federal funds to assist state and local law enforcement agencies.
Local and state law enforcement agencies will remain the front-line defense in defending our citizens. However, as many recently, highly publicized incidents from Colorado to Texas have proven, additional tools are needed both to discourage and to apprehend those who would consider or commit such heinous acts of inhumanity. In such cases, or when local authorities are unable to resolve the cases or commit the necessary resources to bring them to resolution, a federal role may be needed. We know not what acts of terror will be committed in the future, but we do know that we want to ensure that our law enforcement authorities have the wherewithal to investigate and prosecute hate crimes.
Once again, we urge your support for S. 625, the Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Act. Thank you for your consideration of these views. Please feel free to contact us if you have questions or need additional information.
Sincerely,
Patricia Scarcelli
International Vice President
Director, Legislative and Political Affairs Department
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