Comments on: Hate crimes bill reintroduced in Congress

By: KaninZ

KaninZ — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 04:49:39 +0000

http://www.democrats.org/

Send them a suggestion to support this and to give the Pres a “gentle nudge” to address all the gay civil rights issues that have been set aside since the election. I also let them know that their response will be noted in the next campaigns.

By: Gretchen

Gretchen — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 03:45:07 +0000

fr harold:

>…I was gay bashed when I was 35 years old by 3 college students and was told by them that I deserved it because I was a “fag”….<

I hope you reported the little jerks, as they had NO right to do that at all. My wife and I live in Northern CA, I married her last year, and during the last election we had a No on 8 poster in the window, some jerk posted a yes on 8 sign directly across the street from us.

By: Dan

Dan — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 02:45:17 +0000

DeGuyz, I think this act includes only crimes of physical violence, because otherwise the right wing would squawk. I’ve long thought that harassment on the basis of sexual orientation and other demographic characteristics should be illegal. Right now, there are laws against harassment in general, but they tend to be disregarded because they don’t specify any protected groups.

Laws that prohibit discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, and so on usually include harassment. I think that will also be true of ENDA, assuming it passes. With ENDA on the books, it should be easier to get other nondiscrimination laws passed, and they too will likely include harassment.

By: DeGuyz

DeGuyz — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 00:51:10 +0000

It seems to me that the crime has to be a violent physical act to be a hate crime. It would be nice to clarify that and move to recommend that verbal, mental and emotional acts of violence be included. I think they would be and we will sure see in the near future just what the law does cover. Documentation is everything.

By: LOrion

LOrion — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 21:08:19 +0000

I would like to be an optimist, but since Obama is turning out to want to stay center center center and not ruffle feathers, we will hear a big silence. Now the STRONG Obama may not be so silent. Let’s hear from Michelle.

By: Harold Longanecker

Harold Longanecker — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 20:15:41 +0000

To attack or try and kill someone because they are gay should be considered a hate crime.
Just like crimes because of race creed color and national origin.
I was gay bashed when I was 35 years old by 3 college students and was told by them that I deserved it because I was a “fag”.
I work hard-pay my taxes and obey the laws and do not feel I should be treated this way because Iam gay.
OH by the way, I do not consider it sexual orientation because I did not choose to be gay.

By: Stuff Queer People Need To Know

Stuff Queer People Need To Know — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 16:47:57 +0000

Maybe this time it will actually be passed.

Judy Shepherd will be here speaking on Monday. I am actually very excited to see her speak.

http://stuffqueerpeopleneedtoknow.wordpress.com/

By: equalnotspecial

equalnotspecial — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 15:40:53 +0000

Let your representatives hear from you. If we can’t pass this one, we are in big trouble. Obama has said he will sign it, but it has to reach his desk first.

By: Ed

Ed — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 15:24:17 +0000

Its long overdue.

By: Courtney

Courtney — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 13:47:00 +0000

Let’s see if the Democrats will really stand up and pass this bill. I’m not holding my breath.