The Texas State Senate - Rodney Ellis News Releases
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NEWS RELEASE
From the Office of State Senator Rodney Ellis
For Immediate Release
May 3, 1999
Contact: Jeremy Warren, (512) 463-0113
Texans Back James Byrd Act
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Texas Poll Shows Widespread Support for Tougher Hate Crimes Law
(AUSTIN)// As the Texas Senate prepares to consider HB 938, the James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Act, a new poll shows a growing consensus that more must be done to punish and prevent hate crimes in Texas.
A new Texas Poll demonstrates overwhelming support among Texans for a strong hate crimes law that protects everyone, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation. According to the poll, 81 percent of Texans support including race, 80 percent support including gender, 78 percent support including religion and 76 percent support including sexual orientation in a strong hate crimes law.
"The results of the Texas Poll show Texans want laws that stand up to hate," said Senator Ellis. "Across Texas -- regardless of age, education, wealth, region, race, gender or political affiliation -- Texans clearly want us to do more to punish and prevent hate crimes. Hopefully the Texas Senate will listen to the people of Texas and pass the James Byrd, Jr. Act."
Texas' current hate crimes statute, authored by Senator Ellis in 1993, has been criticized as too vague to enforce. The James Byrd, Jr. Act will strengthen current law by defining a hate crime as one motivated by the victim's race, ethnicity, gender, disability, religion or sexual preference. The Byrd Act elevates the punishment for a crime determined to be motivated by hate. The legislation would not elevate the punishment for homicide and other first-degree felonies.
Following are highlights of the April 26, 1999 Texas Poll.
Crimes motivated by hate.
Some states have special laws that provide harsher penalties for these crimes. Do you favor or opposed this type of hate crime law in Texas?
Favor...............72
Oppose...........17
Neutral..............3
Don't know.......8
Which of the following groups should be covered by hate-crime law?
| | Minorities | Women | Homosexuals | Religious
Groups |
| Region: |
| North | 80 % | 81 % | 76 % | 80 % |
| West | 85 % | 88 % | 78 % | 80 % |
| South | 81 % | 80 % | 78 % | 78 % |
| Gulf | 83 % | 80 % | 75 % | 78 % |
| East | 75 % | 73 % | 67 % | 72 % |
| Central | 83 % | 81 % | 77 % | 79 % |
| Political Party: |
| Republican | 70 % | 67 % | 63 % | 67 % |
| Democrat | 90 % | 89 % | 86 % | 89 % |
| Independent | 83 % | 85 % | 77 % | 79 % |
| Age: |
| 18-25 | 85 % | 84 % | 82 % | 80 % |
| 26-35 | 90 % | 89 % | 83 % | 85 % |
| 36-45 | 82 % | 81 % | 76 % | 80 % |
| 46-55 | 76 % | 77 % | 71 % | 75 % |
| 56-65 | 73 % | 73 % | 69 % | 72 % |
| 66 and over | 81 % | 79 % | 73 % | 77 % |
| Income: |
| Less than $10,000 | 76 % | 78 % | 74 % | 74 % |
| $10,001 - $20,000 | 94 % | 91 % | 90 % | 89 % |
| $20,001 - $30,000 | 83 % | 84 % | 78 % | 82 % |
| $30,001 - $40,000 | 78 % | 77 % | 71 % | 75 % |
| $40,001 - $50,000 | 85 % | 82 % | 77 % | 77 % |
| $50,001 - $60,000 | 89 % | 88 % | 83 % | 91 % |
| axis="income"Over $60,000 | 74 % | 75 % | 70 % | 72 % |
| Education: |
| 0-4 years | 91 % | 91 % | 91 % | 91 % |
| 5-8 years | 92 % | 90 % | 88 % | 88 % |
| 9-11 years | 87 % | 90 % | 78 % | 85 % |
| H.S. graduate | 83 % | 82 % | 77 % | 80 % |
| Some college | 81 % | 81 % | 75 % | 78 % |
| College graduate | 76 % | 74 % | 71 % | 73 % |
| Post college | 72 % | 69 % | 71 % | 67 % |
| City: |
| San Antonio | 82 % | 80 % | 77 % | 76 % |
| Dallas/Fort Worth | 80 % | 80 % | 76 % | 79 % |
| Houston | 83 % | 80 % | 76 % | 78 % |
| Austin | 76 % | 76 % | 75 % | 71 % |
| All other areas of TX | 82 % | 82 % | 75 % | 79 % |
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