Should federal hate-crimes law be expanded to include protections based on sexual orientation, gende

[rodeodance]

http://www.capitalnews.org/

Poll Of The Day
Should federal hate-crimes law be expanded to include protections based on sexual orientation, gender and disability?
Yes
61%
No
39%

Total Votes: 57

[PDenton]

1. in principle

I'm uncomfortable with the concept of hate crimes laws, but I can understand why people believe they are needed. I'm just not sure that is a good enough reason to justify a law that could, theoretically, punish people more for their written or spoken speech.

In pratice I fear that these laws will swing the pendulum of justice away from the community's overlooking a persons criminal actions to a prosecutor's discretion to punish somebody for their thoughts or speech. From the Libertarian/Republican point of view, they see this as creating a special class of protected persons. In practice the burden of proof may be more on the white guy assaulting a black guy to prove he's not a racist, than a black guy who assaults a white guy.

It would be good to hear arguements to the contrary, other than "only racists/bigots oppose hate crimes"

[Deep13]

3. I think much of the "opposed" would agree with you. nt

[Hippo_Tron]

6. They are important but sometimes it's difficult to determine what a hate crime is

However, motive has been a consideration in the justice system long before hate crime laws.

[Deep13]

2. 59-41 now

[Katherine Brengle]

4. Yes.

[mzteris]

5. 64% right now.

Of course some people on here might think that means they're getting "SPECIAL TREATMENT" though.


:(