New York, NY, March 20, 2007 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today welcomed the reintroduction of the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crime Prevention Act of 2007 (LLEHCPA) in the U.S. House of Representatives.  The measure, which has attracted bipartisan majority support in the past, is designed to expand coordination between federal and state law enforcement officials to address hate crimes.

"We urge Congress to promptly enact this essential legislation, which would strengthen federal hate crime laws by authorizing the Justice Department to assist local authorities in investigating and prosecuting bias-motivated crimes," said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director.  "This bill would give law enforcement important tools to combat bias-motivated crime.  Federal support will help to ensure that these hate crimes are investigated and prosecuted."

If enacted, the legislation would provide authority for the federal government to prosecute some violent bias-motivated crimes directed against individuals on the basis of their sexual orientation, gender, gender, identity or disability.  Current federal law does not provide authority for involvement in these cases.  The measure is strongly supported by every major law enforcement organization in the country, as well as the National District Attorneys Association and the U.S. Conference of Mayors.

Forty-five states and the District of Columbia have passed hate crime statutes, many based on model legislation drafted by ADL.

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.