Broward County Commission Regular Meeting

MOTION TO AUTHORIZE Broward County Human Rights Board to join the Florida Hate Crime Coalition. (Vice-Mayor Holness)

(Per the Tuesday Morning Memorandum:  While approval of this item would authorize the Human Rights Board to join the Florida Hate Crime Coalition, it would not authorize the Human Rights Board, or any member thereof, to assert any position on behalf of the County or to otherwise purport to bind the County, unless such position or binding commitment is approved in advance by the County Commission.)

(Per the Tuesday Morning Memorandum, Commissioner Geller requested being a cosponsor to this item.)

(Commissioner Rich requested being a cosponsor to this item.)

ACTION:  (T-10:56 AM)  Approved.  Following discussion, Commissioner Ryan asked Broward County Human Rights Board Chair Michael Rajner to contact his office.  (Refer to minutes for full discussion.)

VOTE:  9-0.  Commissioner Geller and Vice-Mayor Holness voted in the affirmative telephonically.

Board approval is necessary to authorize the Human Rights Board to join an organization.

Authorizes the Human Rights Board to join the Florida Hate Crime Coalition.

The Florida Hate Crime Coalition was established in 2016 by the Anti-Defamation League and supports legislation to strengthen Florida’s hate crime laws.
 
Currently, Florida’s hate crime laws do not protect individuals who are targeted because of physical disability, gender, or gender identity. They also do not protect against “association with” crimes, where the victim is targeted because of his or her association with members of a particular group. 
 
In recent years, Florida has seen a significant increase in the number of hate crimes. Strengthening Florida’s hate crime laws through the passage of bills such as House Bill 743 and Senate Bill 940 is thus crucial to protecting our citizens. Through this item, the Board of County Commissioners authorizes the Broward County Human Rights Board to join the Florida Hate Crime Coalition and support its mission of advocating and calling for stronger hate crime laws that increase the safety of all Broward County residents.

Heidi Richards, Chief of Staff, District 9, (954) 357-7009