On Friday, October 16, “Intro 959”, a bill that would require the NYPD to issue weekly reports on hate crimes was the focus of a hearing in the Public Safety Committee. The bill was introduced yesterday at the City Council stated meeting by City Council Jewish Caucus Chair Mark Levine, Public Safety Committee Chair Vanessa Gibson, and Council Members Daneek Miller and Ritchie Torres. The new measure will create greater transparency on hate crimes and empower New Yorkers to evaluate trends in these types of violent incidents. This bill comes amidst numerous reports of a spike in hateful violence against Jewish, Muslim, and LGBT communities during the summer in New York City.

“Hate crimes tug at the thread that weaves this city together — tolerance. The public deserves access to timely information to better understand the trends of these reprehensible acts. It will help the city to confront this challenge and provide resources that address it in the most efficient way. I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure we can directly tackle this problem,” said Council Member Mark Levine.

“Crimes of bias are entirely unacceptable and cannot be tolerated. I am proud to stand with my colleagues and call for legislation that will increase our understanding of the frequency of these heinous crimes and support us in mobilizing against acts of hate within this City,” said Chair of the Committee on Public Safety Council Member Vanessa L. Gibson (D-16, Bronx)

“Unfortunately, in this day and age there is no shortage of hate crimes and recent high profile incidents have impacted all communities,” said Council Member I. Daneek Miller (D – St. Albans). “The hate crimes reporting bill will allow us to gather data and effectively use our resources to address specific issues of hate throughout the city.”

(YWN Desk – NYC)