TRENTON – A measure sponsored by Senators Barbara Buono and Loretta Weinberg which would strengthen State laws on hate crimes and bullying received unanimous final legislative approval today from the full Assembly.
“Too 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 those who choose to commit them should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
“From the very beginning of our nation’s history, different groups have endured discrimination based on simple, uninformed assumptions of character,” said Senator Weinberg, D-Bergen. “This legislation would help to educated and inform the public of the dangers of hate crime, bullying and the ignorance that fuels all related discriminatory and violent actions.”