What was the purpose of the Hate Crime Statistics Act signed by Bush on April 23, 1990?

The Hate Crime Statistics Act, signed into law by President George H.W. Bush on April 23, 1990, was primarily established to collect and publish data about bias-motivated crimes, often referred to as hate crimes. This legislation was a significant step toward understanding the prevalence and nature of hate crimes in the United States. By requiring the FBI to compile and report on these incidents annually, the act aimed to create a comprehensive overview of the problem, enabling law enforcement, policymakers, and the public to understand the impact of bias crimes based on race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, and other characteristics.

The act has helped to provide necessary data that informs both law enforcement practices and the allocation of resources directed toward addressing hate crimes. It also supports national awareness and public policy discussions surrounding the issue.