The Equal rights and Equal Dignity Act was introduced to Congress on January 7th, 2003, sponsored by Democrat Senate Minority Leader Thomas Daschle. The Act would authorize the Attorney General, upon request, to provide assistance with the investigation or prosecution of any crime that constitutes the following: a Federal crime of violence; a felony under State or Indian tribal law; and is motivated by prejudice based on race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or disability, or is a violation of State or Indian tribe h ...view middle of the document...
With passage of this package of legislative initiatives we have an invaluable opportunity to make a statement that the United States government will not tolerate bigotry and prejudice within its borders. America is a nation of many nationalities, many races, many religions bound together by a single unity, the unity of freedom and equality. Far too often, we see news reports of hate-related incidents in this country, many of which are violent and deadly. Already with 26 sponsors in Congress, there is a good chance that this legislation will address some of these problems. While as a Nation, we have made significant progress in reducing discrimination and increasing opportunities for all Americans, regrettably the impact of past discrimination continues to be felt Expanding hate crimes protection, strengthening the enforcement of existing civil rights laws, responding to the injustice of racial profiling, the Act can only have a positive effect on the nation.SourcesFernandes, Julie. "Hate Crimes Legislation Must Pass." civilrights.org 1 May 2003.Brantley, McKinzie. "Other important civil rights legislation." iCan News Service. 22 Jan. 2003.Congressional Legislation. Equal Rights and Equal Dignity for American Act of 2003. Bill # S.16. By Thomas Daschle. 7 Jan. 2003.
