Date: Tue, 16 Jan 1996 09:11:22 -0500 From: Virginians For Justice Subject: VJ Action Alert (better) Virginians for Justice Action Alert January 15, 1996 Hate Crimes Bill Referred to House Courts of Justice Committee For the third consecutive year, the Virginia House of Delegates Courts of Justice committee will be grappling with legislation to enhance penalties for crimes that are motivated by animosity based on sexual orientation or gender. Delegate James Almand (D-Arlington), along with 10 co-patrons, has submitted House Bill 234 to add "sexual orientation" and "gender" to Virginia's existing hate crimes law. Del. Almand's current co-patrons are Delegates Connally, Darner, Hull, Moran, Plum, Van Landingham, and Van Yahres and Senators Howell, Ticer and Whipple. All, but Van Yahres (D-Charlottesville), are from Northern Virginia. **REQUESTED ACTION** It is crucial that Virginians of all sexual orientations and political affiliations contact their DELEGATES to ask for their support of HB234. VJ believes that this session of the General Assembly holds our best chance yet of moving this bill forward. Although all Delegates should be contacted by their constituents, it is especially important to gain Republican supporters and to obtain support from legislators in other areas of the state. Please spread the word to other Virginians! You may call your Delegate directly in Richmond, or call 1-800-889-0229 to register your support of HB234. Operators at the 1-800-889-0229 will register your opinion and will relay it to your particular legislator(s). If you do not know who your Delegate is, the operators can tell you or call your local voter registrar or Virginians for Justice (804-643-4816). The following legislators are members of the House Courts of Justice Committee. These Delegates need an extra push by their constituents, unless they are already co-sponsors. Name Party/City Richmond # Dist. # Johnson, Jr Joseph P. D-Abingdon 804-786-6685 4 Baker, Jr. Thomas G. R-Dublin 804-786-6605 7 Reynolds W. Roscoe D-Martinsville 804-786-7205 10 Armstrong Ward L. D-Martinsville 804-786-6817 11 Cranwell C. Richard D-Vinton 804-786-6891 14 Deeds R. Creigh D-Millboro 804-786-6606 18 Howell William J. R-Falmouth 804-786-6997 28 Davies III John J. D-Culpeper 804-786-7102 30 Mims William C. R-Sterling 804-786-7207 32 Watts Vivian E. D-Annandale 804-786-6707 39 Moran Brian J. D-Alexandria 804-786-7253 46 Almand James F. D-Arlington 804-786-6893 47 Brickley David G. D-Woodbridge 804-786-6994 51 Bennett, Jr. W. W. D-Halifax 804-786-6805 60 McClure Roger J. R-Centreville 804-786-6996 67 Cantor Eric I. R-Glen Allen 804-786-6503 73 McEachin A. Donald D-Richmond 804-786-6906 74 Forbes J. Randy R-Chesapeake 804-786-7252 78 Moore, Jr. William S. D-Portsmouth 804-786-6889 79 Melvin Kenneth R. D-Portsmouth 804-786-6888 80 McDonnell Robert F. R-VA Beach 804-786-7105 84 Jones Jerrauld C. D-Norfolk 804-786-7188 89 BACKGROUND Two years ago, Virginia's hate crimes penalty enhancement law was created, but "sexual orientation and gender" were removed from the list of motivating factors by the House Courts of Justice committee before the law was enacted. Racial, religious and ethnic animosity are included in the current law. Last year, the same House committee did not pass legislation, submitted by Delegate Almand that was similar to HB234, so they need special attention. -------------------- Virginians for Justice advances equal justice for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and those affected by the HIV epidemic, through the state's legislative, administrative and judicial systems.