Lawmakers To Take Up Bill Recognizing Hate Crimes

By ARIC CHOKEY, Associated Press, San Antonio Express-News: World
Sun, 02/07/2016 - 9:43am

In a state that was once a Klu Klux Klan stronghold and where the Southern Poverty Law Center says there are 15 hate groups currently operating, efforts to add a hate crime designation to the criminal code have failed for years amid concerns that it would elevate one type of crime over others that could be equally brutal. Two state senators — an urban Democrat a rural Republican — have co-authored a measure that would create a hate crime designation allowing for stiffer sentences by taking into account a victims' "perceived or actual race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, disability, national origin, ancestry or sexual orientation." The measure is up for consideration in the House after clearing the Senate and is gaining support at a time when lawmakers are under scrutiny for not passing civil rights protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. Though gay rights legislation is dead for this session, supporters of the hate crimes bill note that crimes committed based on a person's LGBT status are included in the bill. According to the Indiana State Police, there have been 45 to 55 incidents per year since 2011 that would have qualified as hate crimes. Not having proper training can also hinder a law enforcement agency's ability to recognize a hate crime, she said.

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