Subject: gender: hate crimes
From: jenn!! (jenn@krox.com)
Date: Thu Nov 11 1999 - 09:15:37 CST
This week I have received 3 email petition forwards about 'hate crime' legislation.
I am not as up on politics as I should be, but my interp is as such:
Basically if hate crime legislation passes, penalitites/punishment will be more severe in crimes that
are results of hate crime (based on sex, race, religion, sexual preference, etc..)....
I have a friend in town who worked for the congressman who was behind the hate crimes bill (which did not pass)
here in Texas....He tried to explain to me that this was important because it would help lessen these crimes,
and provide more protection for certain minorities.
I asked -- "well if someone is murdered or assaulted isn't it wrong no matter what the motivation?"
He said 'sure, however we already have stiffer penalties when a child or cop is killed or assaulted, and certain
individuals deemed minorities, need special laws to protect them'.
Does this mean that certain lives have more worth? I struggle daily with my feelings on 'hate crime' legislation.
And yes I have been the victim of a hate crime & had to take an ex-roomie to the hospital after being beaten up simply
because he was gay..........I guess I'm just not convinced that by having 'hate crime' legislation, hate crimes will
decrease...
Does anyone have any thoughts on this or help for me in trying to understand the 'fors' and 'againsts' on this issue?
If you just want to email me that's cool -- I appreciate any and all viewpoints and experience on this......
Jenn Garrison
ps---- I emailed this to my legislative friend as well -- his name is Leo and he is a cool guy who will answer any of
your questions about this if you have any.
This archive was generated by hypermail 2a24 : Wed Dec 01 1999 - 19:24:25 CST