Take a stand against hate

Every year, the list of supporters for a sentencing enhancement for hate crimes grows longer. Eyes have been opened to the possibility that anyone could be the victim of a hate crime; that a considerable majority of Utahns want a defensible hate crimes statute on Utah's lawbooks and that the issue is not going away.

The issue isn't going away because hate crimes aren't going away. For the past five years, an average of 62 such crimes have been committed in Utah. Sonia James of Sandy, who is black, told legislators how she has been terrorized in her own home. Her home has been spray-painted with racial epithets. Her car windows have been smashed and white supremacist-themed literature has been left on her front porch. "I have been violated in my home. I don't feel safe anymore. I don't feel like I can enjoy what I've worked for," she said.

Earlier this week, James urged members of the Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee to "pass the bill for everyone." But for the ninth straight year, hate crimes legislation has suffered a defeat in the Utah Legislature, this time by a 4-3 committee vote. A house version of the bill has been introduced but has not yet been assigned to a committee.

The issue isn't dead, but if history is a guide, the demise of the Senate bill does not bode well for the House version, particularly since its language is identical.

But the House should give the bill a fair hearing. It's time for Utah to take a strong stand against the "lesser" hate crimes before the prejudice and hatred behind such offenses festers to the point that a life is lost or a victim suffers life-altering injuries. Activists say the activities of hate groups is on the upswing in Utah. Before these groups establish a comfortable toehold, the Legislature needs to enact HB50, which would create a penalty enhancement for crimes in which the victim has been selected because of a bias or prejudice held by the perpetrator.

Prosecutors and the state Sentencing Commission have repeatedly testified of their need for a defensible hate crimes law. They see this legislation for what it is, a tool they need in order to better do their jobs — not as one that grants "special protections" to certain groups. The legislation isn't about special rights, it's about meting out an appropriate punishment. And it's long overdue.