Richardson and Green Introduce Resolution on Nooses

Legislation to Express Hanging of Nooses as Horrible Acts That Should Be Considered Criminal

In regards to the recent incidents involving nooses directed towards African-Americans, Rep. Laura Richardson (D-CA) has co-authored a resolution with Rep. Al Green of Texas (H. Res. 826) declaring "that the hanging of nooses are horrible acts and when used for the purposes of intimidation under certain circumstances, may be considered criminal acts that should be thoroughly investigated by Federal law enforcement authorities and vigorously prosecuted."

"In 1968 two things happened," asserted Congresswoman Richardson. First the Civil Rights Movement reached its critical boiling point and second a little girl raised by her mother witnessed it all...the good, the bad, and the ugly. Its 2007, nearly forty years later, and our children shouldn't have to witness the use of nooses as acts of intimidation and injustice. Today we are a country that values culture and recognizes the important contributions that countless African Americans have made. If it takes a House Resolution to get the message across that its time to move beyond this horrible symbol of racism, then let it be known that the Members of the 110th United States Congress are ready to act on it."

"It is time to condemn this symbol of injustice. A situation has arisen in our great nation which compels the United States Congress to act. In the past two months, nooses have been found in a North Carolina high school, a Home Depot in New Jersey, a Louisiana school playground, the campus of the University of Maryland, a Columbia University professor's office door and a factory in Houston, Texas. The Southern Poverty Law Center has recorded between 40 and 50 suspected hate crimes involving nooses since September. Additionally, since 2001, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has filed more than 30 lawsuits that involve the displaying of nooses in places of employment," stated Congressman Green. "Nooses are reviled by many Americans as racist symbols of lynchings that were once all too common. Only when we erase the terrible symbols of the past can we finally begin to move forward."

Read Entire Story

In regards to the recent incidents involving nooses directed towards African-Americans, Rep. Laura Richardson (D-CA) has co-authored a resolution with Rep. Al Green of Texas (H. Res. 826) declaring "that the hanging of nooses are horrible acts and when used for the purposes of intimidation under certain circumstances, may be considered criminal acts that should be thoroughly investigated by Federal law enforcement authorities and vigorously prosecuted.

Senate Apologizes to Lynching
Victims, Families for Failure to Act

Senators Landrieu and Allen Joined By Lynching Survivor
and Descendents for Historic Vote

June 13, 2005

WASHINGTON – In more than 200 years, the United States Senate has rarely found an occasion to apologize. But today the body is expected to apologize to lynching victims and their families for the Senate’s failure to enact federal anti-lynching legislation during the first part of the 20th century.

From 1890 to 1960, 4,742 Americans were documented as having been lynched, with actual numbers believed to be much higher. During that time, nearly 200 anti-lynching bills were introduced to the United States Congress. The United States House of Representatives even passed three anti-lynching bills, but all failed on the floor of the Senate despite the lobbying of seven U.S. Presidents. Because of the Senate’s refusal to pass the legislation, the federal government was left powerless to intervene and protect Americans from these heinous acts of mob violence.

Title: SENATE PASSES BILL TO MAKE IT A FELONY TO DISPLAY A NOOSE ON PUBLIC OR PRIVATE PROPERTY

FOR RELEASE: Immediate, Monday, October 22, 2007
http://www.senate.state.ny.us

SENATE PASSES BILL TO MAKE IT A FELONY
TO DISPLAY A NOOSE ON PUBLIC OR PRIVATE PROPERTY

Measure protects residents from symbol of racism in wake of incidents in New York State

The New York State Senate Majority today passed legislation, sponsored by Senator Dean Skelos (R-Rockville Centre) to make it a felony to etch, paint, draw or otherwise place or display a noose on public or private property.

"This is a vile act that must be dealt with harshly," said New York State Senate Deputy Majority Leader Dean G. Skelos. "There is no place for racism and intimidation in America and this rash of incidents clearly demonstrates the need for tough new penalties. The Senate passed a bill today to make displaying a noose a felony and I encourage the Assembly to reconvene and pass this legislation as soon as possible."

“This legislation recognizes that a noose continues to be a powerful symbol of racism and intimidation towards African Americans, and that it is solely meant to harass and threaten another person or a group of people. Today the Senate Majority took decisive action to protect all New Yorkers from the menacing and disturbing actions of a few,” Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno said.

...

The issue has also received national attention in the wake of the "Jena 6" case in Louisiana, in which a group of six black teenagers were charged with beating a white teenager at Jena High School in Jena, Louisiana. The beating followed a number of racially-charged incidents in the town, including an incident in which three white students hung nooses from a tree at Jena High school.


In 2006, in response to similar past incidents involving swastikas and burning crosses, the State Legislature supported and former Governor Pataki approved amending the State’s penal law to make the use of those symbols a crime.


The anti-noose legislation (S6499) amends New York’s aggravated harassment statute to make it a class E felony to etch, paint, draw, place or display a noose with intent to threaten, intimidate or harass.


The bill was sent to the Assembly, where it is sponsored by Assemblyman Joe Lentol.