TRENTON – A measure sponsored by Senators Barbara Buono and Loretta Weinberg which would strengthen State laws on hate crimes and bullying was unanimously approved today by the full Senate.
“Often, those choosing to commit hate crimes target victims based on who they are perceived to be, and not on facts and one-on-one relationships,” said Senator Buono, D-Middlesex. “Hate crimes epitomize ignorance, and they are frightening examples of how acting on stereotypes can prove to be deadly.”
“Throughout our nation’s history, nearly every ethnic group has endured discrimination based on simple, uninformed assumptions of character,” said Senator Weinberg, D-Bergen. “With this legislation, it is our goal to help encourage a more educated and well-informed public of the dangers of hate crimes, bullying and the ignorance that fuels all related violent actions.”