Definitions | The Issues | Articles | Resources | Home Page
"There is no continent which is free of racial violence. Racial violence has been the trade-mark of racism throughout history." Makami McCrum, the Moderator of the World Council of Churches Women's Advisory Group and previously a member of the Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Commission.
In June, the Senate overwhelmingly passed (57-42) hate crimes legislation in a bi-partisan effort. Sponsored by Senators Kennedy (D-MA) and Smith (R-OR), the "Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Act" passed as an amendment to the Defense Authorization bill. Federal hate crime legislation would strengthen existing hate crimes laws by including bias crimes committed because of a person's real or perceived sexual orientation, gender, and disability. It would also remove overly restrictive jurisdictional obstacles to federal involvement. It is hoped that the Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2000, now in conference, will be enacted into law. The House version of the bill introduced in 1999 as HR 1082 is not included in the House version of the Defense Authorization bill.
According to the Washington Post (June 29, 2000 p. A5), many local jurisdictions, including the District of Colombia and many of its suburbs, already provide for stiffer punishment of criminals who were motivated by hate.
But determining whether hate is the cause of a crime -- not anger, jealousy, greed or other motives-- is a major challenge. That challenge may become even greater. Recently, the Supreme Court ruled that stiffer punishment for a hate crime may be imposed only by a jury convinced "beyond a reasonable doubt" that hate motivated the crime.
The Women's Division has actively addressed hate crimes and intolerance. In 1998, the Women's Division board of directors adopted a statement and recommendations to expand its hate crimes programs throughout the United States. Informed by Social Action Alerts, United Methodist Women have contacted their Congressional and State representatives to enact hate crimes legislation. The General Conference adopted a resolution on "Hate Crimes in the United States" at its 2000 convening.
ACTION: Read the General Conference Resolutions on Hate Crimes and implement recommended strategies to combat hate crimes. The National Council of Jewish Women and over 100 civil rights, women's rights, human rights, religious and law enforcement groups have launched "United Against Hate," a grassroots web-based campaign to encourage passage of hate crime legislation in the House. Use this web site, www.unitedagainsthate.org to find out about upcoming events across the country and plan grassroots events in coordination with the campaign.
Back
to Resources page