Congressman Fleming Authors Military Hate Crimes Bill

Congressman John Fleming announced today that he has authored and introduced H.R. 2677, the Military Personnel Protection Act of 2009. This legislation will extend current federal hate crimes protections to active, guard, reserve and retired members of the Armed Forces. H.R. 2677 has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee.

Congressman Fleming drafted the legislation in response to the events of June 1, 2009, when two U.S. servicemen were gunned down at an Army recruiting station in Little Rock, AK. Pvt. William Long lost his life in the attack and Pvt. Quinton Ezeagwula was wounded and rushed to a nearby hospital. Based on the attacker's own statements, Pvt. Long and Ezeagwula were targeted because of their affiliation with the U.S. Army. Under recently passed hate crimes legislation, H.R. 1913, these heroes would receive no additional federal protections.

"I think we can all agree that if there is any class of citizens who deserve special protection from political or religiously motivated crimes, it is our men and women in uniform who put their lives on the line each day to protect this country," said Congressman Fleming. "This legislation will right this egregious wrong, and ensure those who answered our nation's call to service are extended the same protections afforded to other "protected" classes of citizens."

The entire text of the bill can be found in the attached pdf. Video of Congressman Fleming introducing the bill on the House floor can be viewed by clicking here.

Congressman Fleming represents the 4th District of Louisiana and is a member of the House Armed Services and Natural Resources Committees.

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