October 17, 2018, Houston, Texas–The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) applauds the sentence of nearly 25 years given to Marq Vincent Perez, who was found guilty of a hate crime in the burning of the Victoria Islamic Center on January 28, 2017.  Perez was convicted of destroying a religious place of worship, which is a hate crime, and use of a fire to commit a felony, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

“This sentence sends a clear message that crimes like these against Muslims and other religious groups will not be tolerated in Texas, or anywhere in the United States,” said Gail Glasser, ADL Interim Southwest Regional Director. “No one should feel afraid to practice their religion or express their beliefs. We are grateful to the federal, state and local agencies, investigators and prosecutors who recognized this as a hate crime and used the hate crime law to prosecute this case to the fullest extent of the law. When a hate crime is committed, the entire community suffers.  The people of Victoria rallied after the arson to say, ‘Hate is not welcome here,’ and this is further confirmation.  Investigators and prosecutors truly honored that sentiment with their dogged pursuit of justice.”

ADL led a coalition of civil rights organizations in a 10-year effort that resulted in the passage and signing of the federal Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act.    ADL continues working on its goal to have hate crime laws in all 50 states, and stronger, more comprehensive hate crime laws in every state.