Utah needs a hate-crimes law

Reading through the anti-hate-crime letters, I hear a common theme: A crime is a crime. There should not be harsher punishment. It should just be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the current law.

If this is such a big deal, why is no one advocating ridding our justice system of all penalty enhancements? This would include assault on police officers, pregnant women and public officials. For those who disagree with the bill, I would recommend actually reading through it. There is a need for hate-crime laws in Utah. Penalty enhancements are needed. These criminals incite fear in an entire community.

Jessica Jackman

Salt Lake City