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Press Release

LULAC Endorses HR 826.

House Bill Condemns the Rising Cases of Hate Crimes Against Minorities.

November 16, 2007

For more information, contact:
Javier Dominguez
202-833-6130 ext.12

Washington, DC. The League of United Latin American Citizens, the largest and oldest Hispanic civil rights organization ardently endorses H.R. 826, a bill championed by Congressman Al Green (D-TX) to denounce the hanging of nooses for the purpose of imposing fear upon the community. The resolution asserts that federal authorities should investigate the recent noose hangings and prosecute those found guilty of committing a hate crime.

“This bill sends the message that hatred falls against the democratic principles that this country is built upon and that blatant acts of racism will not be tolerated in any way,” said LULAC President Rosa Rosales. “Nooses carry a sad history in this country of discrimination, hatred, and violence. We commend Congress for its efforts to stop this rampage of hate.”

The Southern Poverty Law Center has released figures estimating that in the last 3 months, over 40 counts of hate crimes involving the hanging of nooses have been reported. This is an appalling statistic and calls for an immediate intervention from federal authorities.

LULAC urges Congress to pass this resolution immediately. Fifty-seven members of Congress have already signed on as cosponsor of the bill. The bill is expected to be taken to the House floor the first week in December.

The League of United Latin American Citizens, the oldest and largest Hispanic membership organization in the country, advances the economic conditions, educational attainment, political influence, health and civil rights of Hispanic Americans through community-based programs operating at more than 700 LULAC councils nationwide.