Response of A. Donald McEachin (D-Va.)

1. “Yes, hate crimes are a problem in Virginia, and I am gravely concerned by the rise of hate crimes and white supremacy in the Commonwealth and across our country. Earlier this year, Virginia State Police released data which showed that the number of hate crimes in Virginia increased by nearly 50% from 2016 to 2017. These acts of violence have no place in our society. This year, as we mark 400 years since the first African slaves were brought to Virginia, it is imperative that we recognize that our diversity is our strength. Virginians, and all Americans, must speak out against hate, and unequivocally condemn those who peddle harmful, bigoted ideology.” 2. “More federal leadership is desperately needed to address the disturbing rise in hate crimes and white supremacist-inspired violence. One place Congress can start is by ensuring the Department of Justice has all of the resources it needs to effectively enforce existing federal hate crime laws. Congress should also take proactive steps, including prioritizing the collection of accurate and transparent data on domestic terrorism, increasing research, and incentivizing state and local governments to improve hate crime reporting. We need to pass legislation such as the Domestic and International Terrorism Act (DATA Act) which would require annual reports to Congress about domestic terrorism incidents, including acts of white supremacy and right wing extremism. This would allow for greater transparency on counterrorism efforts which will help keep Americans safe. On a state level, I support Attorney General Mark Herring’s “No Hate VA” campaign and applaud him for taking on this critically important issue. It is deeply disappointing that the Virginia General Assembly once again failed to pass legislation to expand Virginia’s definition of a hate crime. The current state definition is woefully inadequate, and fails to capture important categories, including gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, and disability. I urge my state colleagues to expand needed protections to all Virginians, including women, the LGBTQ community, and individuals with disabilities." [Ed. note: spokesperson added information on 11/8 about the DATA Act.]