Rep. Louis B. Heller today introduced a bill in Congress which includes severe penalties for acts of vandalism committed because of religious or racial prejudice.
Under the terms of the bill, the authority of the Federal Government would be clearly defined and the death penalty would be written into Federal law to punish persons convicted of acts of anti-minority terrorism which result in deaths or injuries. In cases where property damage exceeds $1,000 the penalty would range as high as 20 years in jail and $10,000 fine.
Rep. Heller mentioned the recent incidents in Miami and Philadelphia and said that the proposed law would strengthen the F.B.L’s power to combat such terrorism.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
