From lobngltf@aol.com Sat Oct 30 01:38:08 1993

Here's a letter that the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force sent to _your_
U.S. Senator on Friday. The accompanying fact sheet will be posted
separately.

 We encourage you to let your Senator know your opinion on this important
piece of legislation.

Linda Yanney, Public Policy Assistant, NGLTF.

 - - - - - - - 

October 28, 1993

Dear Senator:

 We are writing to urge you to support the adoption and passage of  S. 1522,
the 1993 Hate Crimes Sentencing Enhancement Act.  Senator Dianne Feinstein
(D-CA) is the lead sponsor of this legislation, with Senators Daniel Inouye
(D-HI), Ben Nighthorse Campbell (D-CO) and Carol Mosely-Braun (D-IL) joining
as co-sponsors.  This legislation is expected to be before the Senate during
the first week of November.

 The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force played a pivotal role in the passage
of the 1990 Hate Crimes Statistics Act that was signed into law by President
George Bush.  We are the only national organization that issues an annual
Anti-Violence Report specifically addressing and documenting crimes committed
against lesbian and gay people based upon their sexual orientation.  This
reporte is made available to the public, advocates, law enforcement agencies 
and the media.

 We strongly support the adoption of the Hate Crimes Sentencing Enhancement
Act.  The Act would increase penalties for hate crimes under federal law,
enhance federal sentences not less than three offense levels and demand proof
beyond a reasonable doubt that a hate crime had occurred.  Hate crimes
committed under federal jurisdiction would also be covered.

 This legislation is modeled after the Wisconsin state hate crime statute
that was unanimously  upheld by the United States Supreme Court in Wisconsin
v. Mitchell  on June 11, 1993.  Currently, 26 states and the District of
Columbia enhance penalties for hate crimes.  Identical House legislation,
H.R. 1152, co-sponsored by Rep. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Rep. 
James Sensenbrenner (R-WI.), passed overwhelmingly by voice vote on September
21.

 If your office requires further information, please do not hesitate to call
Martin Hiraga, Anti-Violence Project Organizer at 332-6483, ext. 3307 or
Tanya Domi, Legislative Director, ext. 3308.  We look forward to wor
king with you on this important legislation .

Sincerely, 

Peri Jude Radecic     Martin Hiraga
Executive Director     Anti-Violence Project Organizer