Gov. M. Jodi Rell signed into law Senate Bill 604, An Act Concerning Hate Crimes, which strengthens state law by making it a crime to display a noose as a way of harassing or threatening someone, according to a statement released by the governor's office.

"Connecticut simply will not tolerate bigotry or racism," Rell said.

"Let this bill send that message loud and clear. Using a noose -- a symbol of the racially motivated lynchings during the late 19th and first half of the 20th century -- to intimidate anyone because of their race or any other characteristic is a repugnant and cowardly act," said Rell. "No one should be subject to that kind of treatment."

"This new law is carefully written to make it clear if someone used a noose, for example, in a Halloween display or a theatrical production they would not be subject to prosecution," said Rell. "But like burning a cross on someone's lawn or painting a swastika on a religious monument, there are certain types of hate-filled symbolism that we will not allow anyone to use to bully another person."

In December, Rell contacted the offices of the chief state's attorney, the Department of Public Safety and the U.S. attorney for Connecticut to condemn a rash of incidents involving nooses.

Nooses were discovered at construction sites in West Hartford and Stamford, at a home-improvement store in West Hartford, under a Bridgeport police officer's vehicle and at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, authorities said.

Supporters of the bill believe many other incidents go unreported.

The new law, which is effective Oct. 1, 2008, passed unanimously in both the Senate and House of Representatives.

The Division of Criminal Justice and the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association, among others, also lent their support.