14th Amendment – no need for hate crimes legislation
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee (D-Texas) has reintroduced a bill that would expand the federal hate crime statute to include crimes motivated by bias against a person’s sexual orientation or gender.
“The Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees equal protection under the law,” [Matt Barber director of cultural affairs at Liberty Counsel] . . . explains. “Hate crimes legislation is a prima fascia violation of the Fourteenth Amendment in that it elevates one class of citizen based upon their chosen sexual behaviors above other people. It creates a two-tiered justice system where there are first-class victims and second-class victims.” . . .
Introduced: H.R. 256: To enhance Federal enforcement of hate crimes, and for other purposes. Rep. Sheila Jackson-Lee [D-TX] introduced this bill. (the text of this is available on the U.S. House website)
Introduced: H.R. 262: To prevent hate crimes, to provide support services for victims of hate crimes, and for... Rep. Sheila Jackson-Lee [D-TX] introduced H.R. 262: To prevent hate crimes, to provide support services for victims of hate crimes, and for other purposes. (text of this bill not yet found on the U.S. House website)
2 Comments
This bill has nothing to do with anyone’s sexual behavior (chosen or not.) It has to do with protecting all persons, equally. No one is asking for any special rights or status with this bill. But plenty of people seem to feel they have special rights. The right to harm others they feel are different. The right to terminate employment, housing or even ones life if the person is different. No one should have those rights and this bill addresses that issue.
If it has nothing to do with sexual behavior, the language regarding gender identity and/or sexual orientation should simply be omitted.