Luján, Escobar Introduce Bicameral Legislation to Address Deadly Hate Crimes by Closing Dangerous Loophole
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) introduced the Disarm Hate Act, legislation aimed at addressing hate-motivated gun violence in communities across the United States. The bill would protect vulnerable communities by closing a dangerous gap in federal law, prohibiting individuals convicted of misdemeanor-level hate crimes – or those who received an enhanced sentence for a misdemeanor offense following a judicial finding of hate- or bias-based motivation from purchasing or possessing firearms. Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (D-Texas) leads companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Each year, more than 25,000 hate crimes – 69 a day – in the United States involve a firearm. Under current law, individuals convicted of misdemeanor hate crimes are still able to legally buy or possess a firearm. While the Gun Control Act of 1968 prohibited individuals with felony convictions from possessing firearms, convictions for most misdemeanors – including violent or threatening hate crimes – do not warrant prohibition. Additionally, this loophole also allows individuals with felony hate crime convictions to purchase firearms across state lines.
“Across the country, we have seen hate-fueled attacks claim the lives of far too many in recent years,” said Senator Luján. “Despite the concerning number of hate crimes that have plagued our country, it is horrifying that this loophole allows dangerous individuals to buy or possess a firearm. That is why I’m proud to partner with Congresswoman Escobar to introduce the Disarm Hate Act and help prevent deadly, hate-fueled attacks before they terrorize our communities. We must continue to work to ensure dangerous weapons stay out of the wrong hands, and this legislation is a vital step.”
“Six years ago, a white supremacist drove 10 hours to El Paso intent on slaughtering Mexicans and immigrants in what remains the deadliest attack against Latinos in modern American history,” said Congresswoman Escobar. “The hate directed at Hispanic and immigrant communities continues to this day. When bigotry is combined with easy access to assault weapons, the result is a devastating and lethal threat, and too many communities across the nation, including my own, have lived with these consequences firsthand. As lawmakers, we carry a solemn duty to act and stop as many future tragedies that are a result of gun violence as possible. I am proud to stand with my colleagues in introducing vital legislation to ensure firearms stay out of the hands of those who should never have them.”
“Hate becomes even more dangerous when it’s paired with easy access to a gun. We see the impact of that every day in our communities,” said Angela Ferrell-Zabala, Executive Director of Moms Demand Action. “The Disarm Hate Act is a clear step toward keeping families safe. It closes a gap that lets people with violent hate crime convictions get their hands on a gun, and that puts all of us at risk. We’re proud to stand with Rep. Veronica Escobar and Senator Ben Ray Luján as they work to keep guns out of dangerous hands and protect the communities targeted by hate.”
The Disarm Hate Act is supported by GIFFORDS, Brady, Community Justice, American Federation of Teachers (ATF), Everytown, Newton Action Alliance, WOLA, the Violence Policy Center, Jewish Women International, and Sandy Hook Promise.
A summary of the bill can be found HERE. Full text of the bill is available HERE.
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