Senator Dale M. Volker Passes Legislation To Increase Penalties For Swastikas Or Burning A Cross To Intimidate Another Person

(ALBANY, NY) State Senator Dale M. Volker (R-I-C, Depew) today announced that he passed legislation (S.4120) to enhance penalties for making a swastika or burning or desecrating a cross with the intent to harass, annoy, threaten or alarm another person.

"Regardless of your faith, the color of your skin, or where you came from, there is no place in our civilized society for symbols of hate, intimidation or blatant disrespect," said Senator Dale M. Volker. "Swastikas and burning crosses are symbols that have been used by hate groups, racist organizations, or by individuals whose motives are abhorrent. We must instill within our communities that these vicious hate symbols be aggressively prosecuted. This legislation will give our District Attorneys the necessary legal tools at their disposal in seeking felony convictions."

Senator Volker’s legislation would amend §240.31 of the Penal Law by adding two new subdivisions 3 and 4 making the marking of a swastika or burning or otherwise desecrating a cross with the intent to harass, annoy, threaten or alarm another person a class E felony.

This legislation has been passed by the State Assembly and will be forwarded to the Governor for his immediate consideration.

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