Law should cover all acts of hate

Re “Define the crime,” editorial, May 13

Thank you for the editorial arguing for including anti-gay crimes in hate crime legislation. I only wish you had made explicit the link between hate crimes and terrorism. Both are crimes intended to victimize entire communities, and both are motivated by a fanatic ideology.

Sadly, President Bush has little interest in fighting terrorism if the victims are gays and lesbians.

RAPHAEL MAZOR

Long Beach

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Although we welcome the support for federal hate crime legislation, the importance of adding federal jurisdiction for crimes motivated by the victim’s gender and disability should not be minimized.

Forty-five states and the District of Columbia have hate crime laws on the books, many based on the Anti-Defamation League’s model legislation. But only 28 include gender and only 32 include disability.

The federal legislation would help local law enforcement authorities combat hate crimes and would permit federal involvement for those cases in which state and local authorities cannot -- or will not -- take appropriate action. State and local authorities investigate and prosecute the overwhelming majority of hate crime cases and will continue to do so after this legislation is enacted. This measure will aid victims of hate violence, assist law enforcement and improve the response of the criminal justice system to these devastating crimes.

AMANDA SUSSKIND

Regional director

Anti-Defamation League

Los Angeles