New York, NY, September 14, 2005 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) welcomed the vote in the U.S. House of Representatives today in support of legislation to expand federal hate crimes laws. The measure, the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crime Prevention Act, was approved, 223-199, as an amendment to the Children's Safety Act of 2005.

"This important action by the House of Representatives continues the history of bipartisan, majority support for enactment of this necessary legislation," said Barbara B. Balser, ADL National Chair, and Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director. "This is the third time since 2000 that the House of Representatives has voted in support of these provisions.  We will work hard to ensure that these provisions are enacted into law this time."

In the last session of Congress, bipartisan majorities in both the Senate and the House voted to approve this important measure.  On June 15, 2004, the Senate approved the measure as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005 (S. 2400) by a vote of 65-33.  The House voted 213-186 to urge its members working to reconcile differing versions of that legislation to retain the hate crime provisions.  Unfortunately, the hate crime provisions were stripped from the final version of the legislation.

"We will continue to help lead a coalition of law enforcement, civic, religious, and civil rights groups designed to assist federal and state authorities work more closely together in combating hate," said Ms. Balser and Mr. Foxman.

Forty five states and the District of Columbia have passed hate crime statutes, many based on model legislation drafted by ADL.  The League has been a pioneer in drafting and promoting tougher hate crimes laws across the country.

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.