Congress members introduce “No Hate” Act

U.S. Rep. Fred Upton (R-Mich.) joined a bipartisan, bicameral group of Congress members in announcing the introduction of legislation that would improve hate crime reporting and expand assistance and resources for hate crime victims.

The Khalid Jabara and Heather Heyer National Opposition to Hate, Assault and Threats to Equality Act (Jabara-Heyer NO HATE Act) would allow law enforcement agencies to record and report detailed information about crimes, including hate crimes, to the FBI, as well as support law enforcement agencies that train officers about hate crimes, and create policies on identifying, investigating and reporting hate crimes and create a hate crimes unit.

The legislation would also provide grants for states to create hate crime hotlines that would record information about hate crimes and direct victims and witnesses to law enforcement and local support services as needed. Additionally, the bill would allow judges to require community service or education for those convicted of federal hate crime laws to rehabilitate them.

“More and more frequently, we are witnessing hate crimes across the United States, where individuals are targeted because of who they are. It’s wrong and horrific,” Upton said. “By improving reporting, supporting law enforcement, and creating hate crime hotlines, we can do more to end the surge of hate crimes in our nation. Hate has no place in southwest Michigan or around the country. Period.”

Upton was joined by U.S. Reps. Don Beyer (D-VA), Judy Chu (D-CA), and Vern Buchanan (R-FL), and U.S. Sens. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Jerry Moran (R-KS).

The bill is endorsed by many civil rights advocacy groups and law enforcement, including the Jabara Family, the Heather Heyer Foundation, the Major Cities Chiefs Association, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, Asian Americans Advancing Justice, Arab American Institute, and the Anti-Defamation League.

“According to FBI data, there has been a disturbing rise in hate crimes throughout the United States over the past few years, including many violent incidents. The grants authorized by the NO HATE Act will play a critical role in improving hate crime reporting and connecting victims with the services they need,” said Chief Art Acevedo, President, Major Cities Chiefs Association and Chief of Police, Miami Police Department. “The bill will also provide local law enforcement agencies with important resources to enhance their ability to prevent, respond to, and investigate hate crimes. The enactment of the NO HATE Act is long overdue, and the MCCA thanks Senator Blumenthal and Representative Beyer for their continued leadership.”