Background: violence and prejudice

Article Abstract:

Violence against minorities in American society has been a pervasive part of American social history. An NAACP report reveals that more than 3,200 African Americans were killed by lynchings, burnings and other crimes between 1889 and 1919, during a period when resentment towards the end of slavery was rampant. Asian Americans suffered the same fate because American workers resisted their ability to contribute to the labor force. While Jews have experienced hate crimes, much of the action against them has been in the form of extreme discrimination and property vandalism. The efforts to create hate crime laws, while successful in over 25 states, have met with resistance in the guise of freedom of speech.

Gays, Crimes against, History, African Americans, Lesbians, Civil rights, Asian Americans, Jews, American, American Jews

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Current situation: legal setbacks

Article Abstract:

There have been various challenges to hate crime laws in the guise of freedom of speech rights. The Wisconsin State Supreme Court struck down the state's hate crime law based on the fact that it punished the attitude as well as acts related to bigotry. The law also said that a crime committed because of prejudice could be punished with sentencing that extended beyond the maximum period for that particular crime. The court, therefore, determined that a person can maintain a bias and be protected by the provisions of the First Amendment. There is a similar challenge to Ohio's hate crime legislation.

Ohio, United States. Congress, Anti-Defamation League of B'nai B'rith

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Outlook: waiting for a ruling

Article Abstract:

The US Supreme Court's decision to review Wisconsin's hate crime law may impact the future of 'penalty-enhancement' legislation. The debate centers around increasing a criminal's punishment if the crime is found to be based on bias against victims' race, religions, ethnic origin or sexual orientation. The issue of protecting freedom of speech is major component in the opposition to hate crime legislation. Civil rights advocates are concerned that the removal of specific legislation could lead to increased violence against minorities.

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