Statement by Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese on House

by Admin •

Statement by Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese on House
Resolution Honoring the Life of David Ray Ritcheson

WASHINGTON - The Human Rights Campaign today praised the U.S. House of
Representatives for passing a resolution by voice vote honoring the late
David Ray Ritcheson. Ritcheson, the victim of a brutal hate crime
because he was Mexican-American, had testified in April 2007 before the
Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security of the House
Judiciary Committee in support of the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes
Prevention Act (H.R. 1592) which provides local law enforcement with
critical resources to combat bias-motivated violence. H. Res. 535
commends Ritcheson for his efforts in helping to secure passage of this
important bill which the House of Representatives approved on May 3,
2007. Sadly, Ritcheson took his own life just two months later.

"We commend the U.S. House of Representatives for recognizing David
Ritcheson's courage in speaking out about the devastating toll hate
crimes take on victims, their families and their communities," said
Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. "David's testimony and
his tragic passing serve as a stark reminder of the need for hate crimes
legislation. We remember David for his bravery, his dignity and his
dedication to a vision of a hate-free America."

The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization
working to achieve gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality. By
inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination
against GLBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental
fairness and equality for all.

ouse
Resolution Honoring the Life of David Ray Ritcheson

WASHINGTON - The Human Rights Campaign today praised the U.S. House of
Representatives for passing a resolution by voice vote honoring the late
David Ray Ritcheson. Ritcheson, the victim of a brutal hate crime
because he was Mexican-American, had testified in April 2007 before the
Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security of the House
Judiciary Committee in support of the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes
Prevention Act (H.R. 1592) which provides local law enforcement with
critical resources to combat bias-motivated violence. H. Res. 535
commends Ritcheson for his efforts in helping to secure passage of this
important bill which the House of Representatives approved on May 3,
2007. Sadly, Ritcheson took his own life just two months later.

"We commend the U.S. House of Representatives for recognizing David
Ritcheson's courage in speaking out about the devastating toll hate
crimes take on victims, their families and their communities," said
Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. "David's testimony and
his tragic passing serve as a stark reminder of the need for hate crimes
legislation. We remember David for his bravery, his dignity and his
dedication to a vision of a hate-free America."

The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization
working to achieve gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality. By
inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination
against GLBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental
fairness and equality for all.

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