The Equal rights and Equal Dignity Act was introduced to Congress on January 7th, 2003, sponsored by Democrat Senate Minority Leader Thomas Daschle. The Act would authorize the Attorney General, upon request, to provide assistance with the investigation or prosecution of any crime that constitutes the following: a Federal crime of violence; a felony under State or Indian tribal law; and is motivated by prejudice based on race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or …showed first 75 words of 339 total…

…showed last 75 words of 339 total…past discrimination continues to be felt Expanding hate crimes protection, strengthening the enforcement of existing civil rights laws, responding to the injustice of racial profiling, the Act can only have a positive effect on the nation. Sources Fernandes, Julie. "Hate Crimes Legislation Must Pass." civilrights.org 1 May 2003. Brantley, McKinzie. "Other important civil rights legislation." iCan News Service. 22 Jan. 2003. Congressional Legislation. Equal Rights and Equal Dignity for American Act of 2003. Bill # S.16. By Thomas Daschle. 7 Jan. 2003.