Judges will have the power to order a person convicted of a hate crime to complete a program, training session or counseling session directed at hate crime prevention and education, now that a bill by Assemblymember Grace Meng has been signed into law.
Meng introduced the bill, amending the sentencing laws, in October of 2009, in recognition of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and because the law did not “address the compelling importance of preventing their recurrence through education, training and counseling,” she said.
“I am proud to sign this legislation that will not only allow hate crimes violators to understand why such an intolerant mindset is wrong, but will teach them the importance of embracing people of different backgrounds,” said Governor David Paterson on Thursday, July 8.
“As New York is a melting pot of different heritages, races, and ethnicities, it is vital that we broaden our minds to people different from ourselves,” he continued.
The law takes effect on Monday, November 1.
Among the co-sponsors of the Bill in the Assembly were Audrey Pheffer, Vivian E. Cook, Mike Miller, Rory Lancman, Margaret Markey and Nettie Mayersohn. The bill was sponsored in the Senate by Eric Schneiderman, who said it “will use proven and effective techniques to end the cycle of hatred and violence that exists among certain individuals.”
“This law will not only ensure that our state provides the necessary education and counseling to deter hate crimes,” Meng said, adding that it “will also make it very clear to the perpetrators that New York State does not – and will not – tolerate threats and violence that are motivated by any kind of bias.”
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