News

GOP Governor Applauds Passage of Hate Crimes Measure

NY Governor Pataki: "I look forward to signing this legislation into law"

June 7, 2000

(ALBANY, NY) – Governor George Pataki (R-NY) released a statement today praising the Republican-controlled New York State Senate for its overwhelming passage of his hate crimes proposal today.

"Assaulting a man or a woman because they are a member of a particular ethnic group or religious minority or because of their sexual orientation is an attack on all New Yorkers," Pataki said. "People who act on hate need to know their punishment will be swift, severe and just."

The Governor's bill, which would increase penalties for hate-motivated crimes, including anti-gay hate crimes. It was authored, sponsored and championed by Senator Roy Goodman (R-New York City), a strong supporter of the gay community.

"Governor Pataki made this bill a top priority on his legislative agenda, and Senator Goodman led the fight for its passage," said James Wagstaff, president of Log Cabin Republicans of New York City. "This is another example of the kind of strong, inclusive leadership of New York Republicans, who have set an example for our Party across the country."

Log Cabin Republicans has worked closely with Governor Pataki, Senator Goodman the GOP state leadership since 1995 to pass the hate crimes measure. The effort was strongly supported in lobbying by Mayor Rudolph Giuliani (R) of New York City and Mayor Dan Stewart (R), the openly gay GOP Mayor of Plattsburgh.

Log Cabin Republicans is the nation's largest gay Republican organization, with state and local chapters nationwide and a federal political action committee. The Log Cabin Republicans New York state organization includes chapters in Rochester, New York City and Long Island.

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Statement from Governor George E. Pataki
June 7, 2000

"I want to commend the State Senate for passing my hate crimes legislation. I look forward to signing this legislation into law.

"Assaulting a man or a woman because they are a member of a particular ethnic group or religious minority or because of their sexual orientation is an attack on all New Yorkers. People who act on hate need to know their punishment will be swift, severe and just.

"Hate crimes do more than threaten the safety and welfare of all citizens, they disrupt entire communities and cannot be tolerated by a civilized society. These heinous acts are so inherently destructive to society that they deserve special consideration under the law."