Mayor Richard M. Daley and the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations, through chairman and commissioner Dana V. Starks, praised President Barack Obama and Congress for enacting the new and historic federal hate-crimes bill that Obama signed Oct. 28.

In the joint press release, Daley stated, "While we are fortunate in Chicago to have strong hate crime laws that include protection based on sexual orientation, gender identity and disability, this is not true for all of America. As such, victims of hate crimes like Matthew Sheppard and James Byrd Jr. for whom this bill is appropriately named can now have their cases prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law." The bill would also make it a federal crime to attack U.S. service members on account of their service.

Commissioner Starks said, "The Commission is excited that this day has finally come after nearly a decade of advocating and supporting efforts to pass a federal hate crimes bill. As we celebrate this important achievement, we must not forget the leadership and courage brought to this issue by the late Senator Edward M. Kennedy, a true champion of civil rights." The Commission on Human Relations assists victims of hate crimes and provides anti-bias education, in addition to its work in resolving and mediating community tensions and investigating and adjudicating acts of discrimination. Thus far for 2009 there have been 46 reported hate crimes in Chicago. This continues a pattern of reduction in reported hate crimes in the city for the past several years.

"The Commission is proud to work with a strong network of agencies to fight hate crimes led by the Chicago Police Department, State's Attorney's Office, and civil rights organizations who work tirelessly to end hate crimes in our city," stated Starks. "It is our hope that this legislation will help other areas of the country work with federal law enforcement agencies to create similar partnerships," he concluded.