Costa Howard Votes to Pass Legislation to Crack Down on Attacks in Places of Worship

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. –With hate crimes in places of worship rising, state Rep. Terra Costa Howard, D-Glen Ellyn, recently voted for legislation that would increase penalties on perpetrators who target places of worship.

“It is horrifying when people of faith are viciously attacked in churches, synagogues, mosques and other places of worship, where they are praying peacefully alongside their friends, families, and neighbors,” said Costa Howard. “I voted for House Bill 38 because it strengthens sentencing of assailants who target places of worship, making sure these hateful criminals are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”

According to an FBI annual report, hate crimes have spiked 17 percent since 2016. House Bill 38 would strengthen sentences for murders and armed assaults committed in a church, mosque, synagogue or other place of worship. The legislation also increases penalties for carrying a gun or other weapon into a place of worship with the goal of harming someone.

For more information, contact Rep. Costa Howard’s constituent service office at RepTCH48@gmail.com or 630-812-9292.