House Proceeding 04-29-09 on Apr 29th, 2009 :: 0:33:45 to 0:35:50
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0:33:41 to 0:34:02( Edit History Discussion )

Jerrold Nadler: mr. conyers: to the chairman of the constitution com the judiciary committee, jerry nadler of new york, two minutes. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman is recognized for two minutes. mr. nadler: i thank the chairman. mr. speaker, this house faces a historic test. will we act decisively to deal with some of the most destructive crimes in our

0:33:45 to 0:35:50( Edit History Discussion )
Speech By: Jerrold Nadler

0:34:03 to 0:34:23( Edit History Discussion )

Jerrold Nadler: society? violent assaults against victims who are singled out solely because someone doesn't like who they are? because the actual perceived race, color, origin, sexual gender, these violent acts are particularly reprehensible because they target not just an individualut an entire group.

0:34:24 to 0:34:44( Edit History Discussion )

Jerrold Nadler: these crimes do and are often intended to spread terror among all of the group. they say, don't be who you are, do not exercise your civil rights to be yourself, to speak publicly, to go wherever you want. this bill enables the federal government to intervene so as to punish such crimes and protect the rights of individuals and of groups

0:34:45 to 0:35:05( Edit History Discussion )

Jerrold Nadler: unpopular in some quarters. do not believe the scare tactics. this bill does not criminalize thoughts or speech. no one will be prosecuted because of what they say or think. no preacher need to worry about his sermon. only violent crimes are punishable on this bill. this treats the more heinous them differently.

0:35:06 to 0:35:27( Edit History Discussion )

Jerrold Nadler: manslaughter is different from premeditated murder. we punish crimes differently if they are terrorist acts, defined violent crimes that, quote, appear to intimidate or coerce the civilian population, unquote. existing civil rights laws take a similar approach. a person who uses force to interfere with someone's federally protected rights such as voting, working, attending school, commits a violent

0:35:28 to 0:35:48( Edit History Discussion )

Jerrold Nadler: crime. that's been the law for many years. we treat an act of violence more sear use will he -- seriously if the intent is to deny his or her civil rights. the only question that presents to members is if we believe that people are assaulted violently because of their identity deserve federal protection.

0:35:49 to 0:35:51( Edit History Discussion )

Jerrold Nadler: for many years ngss refused to adopt anti-lynching laws.