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“SENATE RESOLUTION 78--NATIONAL ERASE THE HATE AND ELIMINATE RACISM DAY” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Justice was published in the Senate section on pages S3688-S3689 on April 24, 1997.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
SENATE RESOLUTION 78--NATIONAL ERASE THE HATE AND ELIMINATE RACISM DAY
Mr. BURNS (for himself, Mr. Baucus, Ms. Collins, Mr. Kempthorne, Mr. Faircloth, Mr. Bingaman, Mr. DeWine, Mr. Hatch, Mr. Grassley, Mr. Warner, Mr. Cleland, Mr. Gorton, Mr. Abraham, Ms. Landrieu, Mr. Reid, Mr. Lieberman, Mr. Dodd, Mr. Murkowski, Mr. D'Amato, Mr. Kennedy, Mr. Kerrey, Mr. Levin, Mr. Gramm, Mr. Kerry, Mr. Lugar, and Mr. Moynihan) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary:
S. Res. 78
Whereas the term ``hate crime'' means an offense in which one or more individuals, commits an offense (such as an assault or battery (simple or aggrevated), theft, criminal trespass, damage to property, mob action, disorderly conduct, or telephone harassment) by reason of the race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, or national origin of another individual or group of individuals;
Whereas there are almost 8,000 hate crimes reported to the Department of Justice each year, and the number of hate crimes reported increases each year;
Whereas hate crimes have no place in a civilized society that is dedicated to freedom and independence, as is the United States;
Whereas the people of the United States must lead and set the example for the world in protecting the rights of all people;
Whereas the people of the United States should take personal responsibility for and action against hatred and hate crimes;
Whereas the Members of Congress, as representatives of the people of the United States, must take personal responsibility for and action against hatred and hate crimes;
Whereas the laws against hate crimes, which have been passed by Congress and signed by the President, must be supported and implemented by the people of the United States and by Federal, State, and local law enforcement officials and other public servants: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) designates April 30, 1997, as ``National Erase the Hate and Eliminate Racism Day''; and
(2) requests that the President issues a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States and throughout the world to recognize the importance of using each day as an opportunity to take a stand against hate crimes and violence in their nations, states, neighborhoods, and communities.
Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, I rise today, along with Senator Baucus and 23 of our fellow colleagues, to submit a resolution to designate April 30 as ``National Erase the Hate and Eliminate Racism Day.'' We are submitting this measure because, as you may know, a few years ago a series of anti-semitic and racially biased crimes occurred in my home town of Billings, MT. However, instead of ignoring these events, I am proud to say that the community united and worked together to ban these acts of hatred. We are hoping that the American people will learn from Montanans that racism and hate crimes can be done away with if we work together.
According to the United States Department of Justice, there are almost 8,000 racially and biased crimes each year--and unfortunately, this number is rising. Due to this disappointing fact, my colleagues and I have determined that a day should be set aside to bring groups together that will work to begin to heal our Nation from the sins of our past and present.
This day would serve as a day for people in the United States, and throughout the world, to recognize the importance of using every day as an opportunity to take a stand against hate crimes and violence in their neighborhoods, communities, states and nations.
Through this legislation, we hope to reinforce in the American people that our diversity is something to be proud of. A new understanding of our differences would help bring forth a new respect for each other, and this resolution should serve as the vehicle to educate Americans and promote unity throughout our communities and States.
Now, I realize that passage of this measure will not immediately obliterate racism from our country. But it is our responsibility, as Members of this distinguished, elected, body to set an example for the American people by speaking up for what is right and encouraging others to do so.
I would like to offer a special thanks to the YWCA and the Anti-
Defamation League for their assistance in garnering support for this measure. Their continued service to the American people in supporting diversity serves as a means to open the doors between divergent groups. They should be acknowledged and praised by all.
We welcome each of our colleagues to join with us to work to eradicate the forces that divide us. Finally, I hope that by April 30, the American people are made aware of our thoughts and that we will work for justice for all.
Mr. BAUCUS. Mr. President, I rise today to submit a resolution which will designate this April 30 as a National Day to Erase the Hate and Eliminate Racism.
In the last couple of years, we Montanans have seen our state come under the microscope of considerable media scrutiny. We've had the arrest of the alleged ``Unabomber,'' the standoff between the FBI and the so-called Freemen outside Jordan, and a series of hate crimes in some of our cities.
And it's appropriate for the press to take a look at these things, while recognizing that many of these incidents are repeated on a larger scale throughout the rest of the country.
What has frustrated me, and many other Montanans, however, is the lack of attention to the vast majority of Montanans--the people who are willing to stand up to bigots and hate groups. For example, take what happened in Billings, Montana, a few years ago.
People in Billings enjoy a high quality of life that only Montana can provide. It is the largest city in Montana, but it still has the feel of a small town. Folks say hello to strangers in the street. Families go to the symphony in Pioneer Park in the summer. And neighbors go out of their way to help someone when they need a hand.
That placid life was shattered in November 1993, when a group of
``skinheads'' threw a bottle through the glass door of the home of a Jewish family. A few days later they put a brick through the window of another Jewish family's home--with a five-year-old boy in the room. Then they smashed the windows of a Catholic high school that had a
``Happy Hanukkah'' sign on its marquee.
The people of Billings were horrified. But they did not sit at home and try to ignore the problem. They did not let the hatred take root. The community banded together.
Thousands of homes put Menorahs in their windows. They showed the skinheads that the people of Billings were united against hate. And that year, Billings held the largest Martin Luther King Day march ever in Montana.
And all over Montana, we see more of the same. Whether it is a county attorney who stands up to militia groups in Jordan. Or the unsung people who work in their communities, such as Helena, to stamp out racism and hatred through the Montana Human Rights Network. These are all stories that need to be told.
Recently, the USA Network aired a movie called ``Not In This Town,'' which told the story of these events to the country. I commend the network for bringing this story to the world because it sends two powerful messages. First of all, Montana is no home for bullies and hate-mongers. And second, wherever you live, violence and bigotry do not have to be accepted in your community.
That is why today I am submitting, with my colleague from Montana, Senator Burns, and many others from across America, a bill which will designate April 30, 1997, as a National Day to Erase the Hate and Eliminate Racism.
I know a simple bill like this one will not end the problems we still have. A piece of paper alone cannot teach a child that hate is wrong.
But I do believe a piece of paper can make people think. It can make people talk about hate crimes. And it can light a spark in people's hearts and minds.
And if we continue to look at the good, courageous, decent things our neighbors are doing, that spark just might catch fire, in Montana and all across the country.
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