§ 528-1. Legislative intent.

A. 

This Legislature hereby finds and determines that there has been an increase in the number of bias-related incidents of violence committed in Suffolk County based upon the race, color, gender, religion, national origin, age, ancestry, sexual orientation, disability, handicap or health-related condition of another individual or group of individuals.

B. 

This Legislature further finds that these bias-related incidences of violence are the cause of much property damage vandalism committed in the community.

C. 

This Legislature also determines that there should be an additional deterrent to this outrageous behavior at the local level.

D. 

This Legislature further finds and determines that there is a compelling interest in eradicating bias crime due to its impact on the victim, the community and society in general.

E. 

Therefore, the purpose of this article is to impose local civil penalties for bias-related activities in Suffolk County in order to protect the public health and safety by eliminating the epidemic of hate violence and protecting citizens from the violence it precipitates and its tragic effects on society.