Tougher Hate Crime Law Debated In Jersey

Legislation to toughen the state's hate crime and bullying laws advanced Thursday.

It would amend an existing bias intimidation law by adding "gender identity' and "national origin' to the list of classes of people protected under the statute.

Hate crimes involve the targeting of a victim based on membership in a particular social grouping. New Jersey's current hate crime law provides protection for individuals based on "race, color, religion, gender, handicap, ethnicity and sexual orientation.'

The bill also mandates two hours of anti-bias training for police officers.

And it takes a swipe at bullying. It would require school districts to amend their bullying policies, post the information on their Web sites and notify parents of its availability.