There is not one law for one color and another. There's not one law for rich and a different one for poor. There is only one law.
The legislation has been stalled far too long and it's time to act.
I think the recent events we've seen in this country show that these vicious crimes are a continuing problem.
I'm proud to be a co-sponsor of the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009.
Probably 90-plus percent of criminal prosecutions in America are done by our States and local governments. They do a pretty good job.
I think it's important for the Federal Government to speak to this issue as a priority.
I implore this Committee to pass this legislation for those who are vulnerable.
There are programs that provide and authorize grants to help State, local, and tribal law enforcement officials.
There are States that do not have hate crime statutes.
We need this protection, we deserve this justice.
The Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act has been pending in the Senate for more than a decade.