Bobby Scott: “Mr. Speaker, bias-based crimes are an unfortunate reality in this country. This legislation is necessary because…”

“Mr. Speaker, bias-based crimes are an unfortunate reality in this country. This legislation is necessary because existing law, 18 U.S.C. section 245(b)(2) does not protect individuals from violent acts based on race, color, national origin or religion, unless the defendant intended to interfere with the victims' participation in certain enumerated Federal activities. Additionally, Federal law does not presently provide for hate crime protection at all for a tax based on sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or disability. Mr. Speaker, this bill also addresses many of the express concerns about the first amendment rights to free speech and association. H.R. 1592 addresses these concerns by providing an evidentiary exclusion, which prohibits the government from introducing evidence of expression or association as substantive evidence at trial, unless it is directly relevant to the elements of the crime. This provision will ensure that defendants will only be prosecuted and convicted based on their criminal acts, not on what they say or what they believe, or because of the people with whom they are associated.”