October 27, 1999

Hate Crimes Prevention Act (HCPA) --- Update

Yesterday, as expected, President Clinton vetoed the Commerce, State, Justice Appropriations bill, which had been sent to him stripped of the HCPA provision. In his veto message, the President made the following statement: "This bill does not contain a needed hate crimes provision that was included in the Senate version of the bill. I urge the Congress to pass legislation in a timely manner that would strengthen the Federal Government's ability to combat hate crimes by relaxing jurisdictional obstacles and by giving Federal prosecutors the ability to prosecute crimes that are based on sexual orientation, gender, or disability and with those based on race, color, religion and national origin."

We were very pleased that President Clinton chose to make such a strong statement in support of the hate crimes bill. Today, at a well-attended bi-partisan press conference on Capitol Hill, members of the House and Senate urged people across the nation to contact their elected officials immediately, to demand passage of the HCPA before Congress adjourns. Also participating in the press conference was Alan Stepakoff, the father of 6-year old Joshua Stepakoff, the most seriously injured child in the Los Angeles JCC attack that took place over the summer. Mr. Stepakoff made an impassioned and eloquent plea for passage of the bill.

Attached for your use is the latest updated version of the hate crimes coalition fact sheet, including talking points, which was prepared by Michael Lieberman of the ADL. Please contact Reva Price (202/293-1649/ rprice@thejcpa.org) should you have any questions or require additional information.

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The Jewish Council for Public Affairs is the coordinating and planning body for the 13 national and 122 local agencies comprising the field of Jewish community relations.