Date: Fri, 27 Jan 1995 17:07:51 -0500 From: Virginians For Justice Reply-To: Virginians For Justice Subject: Hate Crimes Law Revision January 27, 1995 Legislative Action Alert: Constituent Pressure Needed SUBJECT: Adding Sexual Orientation to Hate Crimes Law Del. Jim Almand (D-Arlington) has submitted House Bill 2143, an amendment to Virginia's existing hate crimes law, that would add hate crimes motivated by a victim's sexual orientation or gender. The existing law provides for additional penalties for crimes based on a victim's race, religious conviction, color or national origin. ACTION: Please call the following members of the Virginia House of Delegates Criminal Law subcommittee: (area code 804) Last First District/City Phone Cranwell C. Richard 14-Vinton 786-6891 Woodrum Clifton A. 16-Roanoke 786-2898 Reynolds W. Roscoe 10-Reynolds 786-7205 Moore, Jr. William S. 79-Portsmouth 786-6889 Johnson, Jr. Joseph P. 4-Abingdon 786-6685 Baker, Jr. Thomas G. 7-Dublin 786-6605 Mims William C. 32-Leesburg 786-7207 Jones Jerrauld C. 89-Norfolk 786-7188 Melvin Kenneth R. 80-Portsmouth 786-6888 Ask them to SUPPORT HB2143 and to pass it out of their subcommittee. This same subcommittee was responsible for stripping sexual orientation from the existing law last year when the existing law was enacted. If you live in one of the above districts, you may call 1-800-889-0229 to register your SUPPORT for HB2143. The operators at this number can tell you who your legislators are and will record your support. HB2143 is not currently scheduled for a hearing so this alert will be in effect until otherwise notified. For further information: Virginians for Justice 804-643-4816 or va4justice@aol.com