We know, we know, a crime is a crime. But this argument is shallow at best because it fails to acknowledge the fundamental roles laws have in our society — deterrence and punishment. Penalty enhancements for criminals whose purpose is to oppress are merely a demonstration of our society's commitment to eradicating violent manifestations of bias. If we fail to address the motives of crimes, we can never even begin to have real crime prevention that removes the triggers of violence and effectively deters crime. This is one way we protect 14-year-olds from sexual predators, by enhancing the penalties for sexual assaults against minors. We have demonstrated our commitment to this class of people by legally acknowledging that targeting this group violates our most sacred societal mores. It is time to do the same for our other vulnerable populations.

As young activists, we look to our elected leaders to do their part in creating equality, as we work hard to do ours. However, despite our efforts, our community is regressing in the very moments when some of our greatest leaders are passing on; Rosa Parks to name one. Our Legislature is now poised to truly honor the legacies of these great leaders. However, instead of expanding our protections and demonstrating our commitment to equality, we have instead chosen to retreat to a position of compromise and "venom" removal. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. reminds us, "we will not remember the words of our enemies but the silence of our friends." It is time legislators use their privilege to become allies and take action on this important issue. Now is the time for movement, not silence.

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Maryam Basmenji is a master's student in social work from Holladay. Ryan Register is an MSW student from Salt Lake City.