"Free speech" concerns aside, such legislation is long overdue and ought to be supported by anyone with a streak of decency. The wording of the bill defines criminals guilty of "felonious intimidation" as anyone who maliciously "causes physical contact with another person" or "damages, destroys or defaces any real or personal property of another person" "because of that person's race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation or national origin."
The attempts by elected officials to conceal their bigotry by opposing the legislation on free speech grounds are shameful and should not be forgotten by their constituents. Rep. Michelle McManus (R-Lake Leelanau) characterized the bill as a "thought crimes act." But the law says nothing to the content of one's thoughts - it simply makes dangerous or damaging action based on bigoted thoughts illegal. Apparently, these lawmakers believe that when it is against homosexuals, violence and vandalism constitute free speech.
While the effort in Michigan to extend anti-hate crime laws to acts against homosexuals is laudable, a national law that punishes crimes motivated by an individual's sexual orientation is necessary. The United States should not allow violence motivated by hatred to go unpunished in some places but not in others.
Conservatives who oppose homosexuality on moral grounds should be able to reconcile anti-hate crime statutes with their ideology. It ought to be possible to personally oppose a lifestyle and simultaneously condemn violence. The same people who oppose this measure would not dare oppose a similar measure that protects a racial minority. When homosexuals seek the same protection, though, they are seeking "special rights."
It ought to be taken as a given by now that no one deserves to be assaulted or have their property destroyed, regardless of who they are or what they believe. It may seem hackneyed and condescending to remind people that all types of violence ought to be condemned in a civilized society. Unfortunately, the 57-38 vote on the amendment to the ethnic intimidation law proves that at least 38 lawmakers in Lansing still need to be educated.
Clearly, the movement in Michigan to extend the protection of anti-hate crime laws to homosexuals is a step in the right direction. Rather than give in to pressure from a political camp obviously motivated by bigotry, state senators and Gov. John Engler ought to consult their consciences when the measure comes before them. Legislators on Capitol Hill should follow Michigan's lead and draft a national anti-hate crime statute that gives homosexuals the same protection that is extended to other minority groups. Violence is not warranted under any circumstances, and society's laws should reflect that.