News

Log Cabin Praises House Passage of the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act

25 Republicans Vote in Favor of Measure Designed to Combat Violent Crime

May 3, 2007

(Washington, DC) – Log Cabin Republicans praise the House of Representatives bi-partisan passage of the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act (H.R. 1592). The House passed the legislation by a vote of 237-180, with 25 Republicans voting yes.

This legislation would give law enforcement agencies access to the necessary resources for investigating and prosecuting violent crimes. "Log Cabin thanks Representative Mark Kirk (R-IL) for leading Republican efforts to pass this important legislation," said Log Cabin President Patrick Sammon. "We also praise the 25 Republicans voting in favor of this legislation. Their votes send a powerful message that every American should be protected from violent crime."

"Current law allows local law enforcement agencies to receive federal assistance in the investigation and prosecution of hate crimes based on race, religion, and national origin. Modernizing existing law is critical to ensure that our local law enforcement agencies are given every tool available to prosecute violent crime," said Sammon.

This legislation enjoys wide support, particularly among the law enforcement community. Virtually every major national law enforcement organization in America supports this law including the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, International Association of Chiefs of Police, International Brotherhood of Police Officers, Major Cities Chiefs Association, National District Attorneys Association, and the National Sheriffs' Association. In all, over 210 civil rights, professional, civic, and religious groups, thirty-one state Attorneys General, and former U.S. Attorney General Dick Thornburgh support this proposal.

"Passage in the House is just the first step in assuring that this legislation becomes law. Log Cabin urges the Senate to move quickly to join the House in passing this important legislation. This solid bi-partisan vote along with strong public support for this law sends a clear message to the Senate and the White House – this bill should become law," concluded Sammon.

The 25 Republicans Voting for H.R. 1592

• Judy Biggert (R-IL)
• Mary Bono (R-CA)
• Mike Castle (R-DE)
• Charlie Dent (R-PA)
• Lincoln Diaz-Balart (R-FL)
• Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL)
• Phil English (R-PA)
• Mike Ferguson (R-NJ)
• Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-NJ)
• Jim Gerlach (R-PA)
• Wayne Gilchrest (R-MD)
• Mark Kirk (R-IL)
• Randy Kuhl (R-NY)
• Ray LaHood (R-IL)
• Jim McCrery (R-LA)
• Todd Platts (R-PA)
• Jon Porter (R-NV)
• Deborah Pryce (R-OH)
• Dave Reichert (R-WA)
• Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL)
• Jim Saxton (R-NJ)
• Chris Shays (R-CT)
• Greg Walden (R-OR)
• Jim Walsh (R-NY)