Posted on 07/09/2007 12:48:19 PM PDT by Loud Mime
H.R. 1592 Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2007
Background/Commentary:
The proponents of this legislation have bluntly stated that it will make homosexuals a protected class in the U.S..
In some regards, they may be right. As an example, if a John Doe is assaulted, it is simple assault. But if John Doe is gay, the perpetrator could face additional charges, possibly federal ones at that, for the assault.
Will such legalisms promote civil lawsuits and blackmail?
Will protected groups have a legal trump card to play on assaults, altercations or arguments that were for reasons other than “hatred?”
One sure element is that this proposal will enact a maze of legalisms for lawyers to exploit; AND a system that will enable the federal government to get involved in local crimes if there is any possibility that one of the protected classes was subjected to a hate crime.
There’s lots of money involved. State and local law enforcement authorities may apply for grants of up to $100,000 each year for federal help in investigating and prosecuting hate crimes. But the strange wording of this bill may actually allow some of those funds to go to community groups and schools for educational programs instead of investigations.
The title of this bill suggests that it will prevent crime; seriously, how can a law “prevent” crime? Laws do NOT prevent crime; they only provide a system of punishment for those who are found guilty (and not pardoned).
Another interesting point is that this bill could make certain thoughts a crime. The reason for the crime will be punishable, not just the crime itself. Critics argue that this is a slippery slope that may open a hellhole of new federal laws.
If this bill becomes law, it should be challenged. There is an issue concerning our Constitution’s equal protection laws. By giving others a special legal advantage over the common citizens, the law should have a day in court.
What this Bill Will Do:
When the government believes that a violent crime’s motivating factor included the “actual or perceived” race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation disability or gender identity, the act will be classified as a “hate crime” and subject to proper investigation and prosecution under this law.
The federal authorities are given power to become the prime agency in dealing with hate crimes if the States ask their involvement, or if they believe the States do not intend to prosecute the crime, or, if the federal authorities believe the States’ actions had not satisfied the federal interest in the matter.
Federal funding will be provided to local and State agencies so they may properly deal with hate crimes. Authorizes funding for federal personnel to prevent and respond to hate crimes.
Arguments FOR this Legislation:
The proper way to prosecute a hate crime is to make it illegal; this law does exactly that. It addresses the main reason for the crime and provides additional punishment for that crime.
Some criminals have a history or repeated bias-related crimes. Currently, there is no federal law against such hate crimes; this bill provides a remedy for this shortfall of the federal government. It will take these repeat offenders off the streets and make them safer.
A majority of State’s Attorneys General and police chiefs are backers of this bill. These law enforcement professionals recognize the impact of a new law against hate related crimes.
Arguments AGAINST this Legislation:
We already have laws at every level of government concerning crimes of violence. Every one of the crimes cited by the proponents of this bill were already illegal acts; yet that didn’t stop the criminals!
In November of 2006, Six Imams were taken from an airliner because they were scaring the passengers with loud prayer and other bizarre behavior. This law would make the passenger’s concerns a crime and the Imam’s removal from the airliner a felony. The intent of this bill may be altruistic, but its design is a breeding ground for legal abuse.
This is not a bill to protect against hatred. The Congressmen who wrote this law purposefully did not allow other groups to receive protection under this law. Therefore, it is a special rights bill designed to protect a select few from perceived hatred or disagreement.
Status:
This legislation passed the House of Representatives (237-180) on May 3, 2007; it’s awaiting action in the Senate.
The Link for this legislation on the Library of Congress is here.
The bill is currently in the Judiciary Committee. Contact your Senators with your opinion.
As long as he proves himself to be gay or just because the perp thinks he is?
The “Hate Crime Bill” is nothing more then a thinly veiled attack on our First Amendment freedom of speech guarantee. The fact that the fat marxist Ted Kennedy is one of the supporters of this bill should say it all !!!
Vote on it, he sponsers it!
H.R. 1592 Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2007
Dear senator Coleman
I urge you to oppose this bill even though President bush has stated he will veto it. How can you criminalize thought? This bill would open up the floodgates of abuse of the law. It is a bad idea. We all have equal protection under the law, if we make it more equal for some and not others then it would not be equal?
Each and every criminal act mentioned in this legislation is already illegal and covered by existing law. This sounds like real dangerous “feel good” busy work to me.
Legislation like this should be laughed off the senate floor.
There, now back to work.
This is UNIMPORTANT legislation. It’s actually garbage. It’s just intended to pander to homosexuals. They don’t need any special rights or protections. Almost all crime is hate crime and there’s no reason to give one crime distinction over another - at least not like this.
Senators, please kill this nonsense. This is Ted Kennedy trash.
the perception of the perpetrator counts.
"For God's sake Herbert - don't slap him back..."
There is already an uproar, and rightfully so against the Homosexual tolerance education of our youth in our public schools. The “tolerance” is actually education of our children to recognize and accept deviant behaviour.
The word “Prevention” (Prevention being “education”) in the title of this bill squelches the ability to protest such teachings, and makes such teachings legal and enforceable by Federal law enforcement agencies.
This bill must be prevented from passing.
Did I read somewhere that the fairness doctrine bill would be attached to this hate crimes bill?
“Whatever happened to the concept of “Equal protection under the law”?”
That clause means whatever liberals want it to mean.
Anyone have the role call.?..just want to see if any dumb repubs voted yes on this.
coming back to this later to read as well, bump.
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