Utah lawmaker may take different approach to hate-crimes bill

[davidinalameda]

http://www.advocate.com/news_detail_ektid22326.asp

Utah Rep. David Litvack may take a different approach with the hate-crimes bill for the coming session. The Salt Lake Democrat, a longtime sponsor of the annual hate-crimes bills, said several options are still on the table, but the No. 1 candidate would drop the categories. It would also replace the penalty enhancement with an aggravating factor to be considered by the sentencing judge or the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole.

Litvack said the possible new direction arose out of a working group as a way to "hopefully take some of the venom out of the issue" and garner Republican support for the measure.

The hate-crimes bills have failed repeatedly. Some opponents object to any hate-crimes legislation, contending punishment should be according to the crime rather than according to the motives behind it. Others have objected to including sexual orientation among the categories of bias or prejudice, which also have included race, color, disability, religion, national origin, ancestry, age and gender.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

1. in other words, the Republicans like to hate people

and don't think hate should be taken into consideration when prosecuting a person for a crime.