Quote:
Originally Posted by dksuddeth
so that whole 'equal protection under the law' deal we have in the constitution, that can be thrown away now? specific groups of people get better protection because they are special?
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Equal protection under the law is more important than ever. You see, this new expansion of the hate crime law is a way of ensuring that gays are protected as equal members of society compared to heterosexuals. Before this, there was no particular consequence for picking out homosexuals and targeting them with a crime. I don't know of any hate crimes where homosexuals are attacking heterosexuals for being straight. Let me know when it becomes a problem.
Hate crimes law isn't about offering "better protection" for "special people." It's about protecting groups that are targeted for specific reasons related to what they are religiously, racially, ethnically, sexually, etc.
Do you think the gay community felt equally protected before this law was passed?