Hate crime

Hate crime

Posted: November 13, 2008 903 GMT
NEW YORK–Marcello Lucero was walking to a friend’s house last weekend to watch a movie when his life came to a brutal end. The Ecuadorean native was allegedly beaten and stabbed by a group of teenagers who police said wanted “to beat up some Mexicans.”
Lucero’s death Saturday night on Long Island, New York was quickly labeled a hate crime by authorities. Unfortunately, it’s part of an underreported spike of hate crimes against Hispanics in the last few years. According to the FBI, Anti-Hispanic hate crimes have increased 40 percent since 2003.
Hispanic advocates blame a climate of harsh rhetoric surrounding the national immigration debate, and they surely have a point.
The Justice Department says that out of all bias crimes based on ethnicity, 62 percent target Hispanics, 38 percent everyone else. 62 percent! Though Hispanics are only 14 percent of the population. Those are some scary numbers.
New York’s hate crimes law operates as an enhancement, so if convicted, these defendants will serve longer terms. On the federal level, we need stronger protection against hate crimes against all groups, including gay, lesbian and transgender people. The Matthew Shepard Act would provide that protection. It’s been introduced every year since 1999. President-elect Barack Obama favors it, and so do I. Let’s all speak with a clear, unequivocal voice that hate crimes have no place in this country.
–Lisa Bloom, In Session anchor

http://insession.blogs.cnn.com/2008/11/13/hate-crime/