For Immediate Release

April 29, 2009

Statement By DNC Chairman Kaine On The Passage Of H.R. 1913,
The Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act Of 2009

Kaine Congratulates House of Representatives,
Urges Senate To Take Swift Action On Legislation To Expand Civil Rights Protections

Washington, D.C. – Democratic National Committee Chairman Tim Kaine released the following statement on passage by the House of Representatives of the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009:

“The House of Representatives took an important step today to close gaps in federal hate crimes law and ensure further protections for all American citizens who fall victim to violent crimes of intolerance. The Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act allocates crucial federal resources to assist states and local law enforcement in their efforts to prevent and prosecute hate crimes, while also maintaining individuals’ rights to freedom of speech and association. More than 300 organizations representing law enforcement, civic, civil rights and religious groups have voiced their strong support for this long-overdue legislation. I congratulate the House of Representatives, and I urge the Senate to take swift action on this important civil rights issue so that the President may sign the bill into law.”

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