NCJW President Urges Senate to Support the Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Act
May 15, 2003, New York, NY -- Marsha Atkind, President of the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) issued the following letter to the Senate today.
May 15, 2003
Dear Senator;
On behalf of the 90,000 members and supporters of the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW), I urge you to support the Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Act (S 966), introduced by Senators Edward Kennedy (D-MA), Gordon Smith (R-OR), and Arlen Specter (R-PA).
For over a century, NCJW has been at the forefront of social change, raising its voice on important issues of public policy. Inspired by our Jewish values, NCJW has been, and continues to be, an advocate for the needs of women, children, and families and a fervent supporter of strong federal hate crimes legislation.
The Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Act commits the federal government to strengthen federal law to protect those victimized because of gender, sexual orientation, or disability on the same basis as those already protected against violence motivated by race or religion. By authorizing federal assistance, this bill provides help to local law enforcement officials who lack the resources to prosecute hate crimes with the necessary vigor. It also removes overly restrictive language from existing law that too often ties the hands of federal prosecutors.
While some states have hate crimes laws on the books, few provide the comprehensive protection contained in this bill. The Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Act commits the nation anew to the national ideal of equal protection under the law.
It is now time for Congress to make the statement that crimes of hate will not be tolerated in America. The Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Act is a constructive and measured response to violence motivated by prejudice. I again urge you to support this critical legislation.
Sincerely,
Marsha Atkind
President
NCJW is a volunteer organization, inspired by Jewish values, that works to improve the quality of life for women, children, and families and to ensure individual rights and freedoms for all through its network of 90,000 members, supporters, and volunteers nationwide.
Contact:
Sammie Moshenberg
202 296 2588; sammie@ncjwdc.org