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WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Representative Henry E. Brown, Jr. (SC-01) joined with many of his colleagues today in voting against H.R. 1592, the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2007, and issued the following statement:
"I am opposed to this measure which is a direct contradiction to the tenet of equal justice under the law, as defined by our Constitution. Existing laws cover all of the crimes outlined in this measure. We also have safeguards in place to address alleged inaction by local investigators and prosecutors.
I also have serious concerns about the legislation's potential threat to free speech and religious freedom as well as the additional burden it places on our local law enforcement agencies.
A crime is a crime. Criminal offenses should always be fully investigated and prosecuted and justice must remain equal for all."
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