Bills to strengthen Michigan’s hate crime law made it out of a House committee and onto the full chamber today [TUES].
The package would add protections for gender identity or expression… age… and disability status—among other classes.
Democratic Representative Noah Arbit says the current law only refers to “ethnic intimidation” instead of a “hate crime.” He says that's too outdated for the current moment.
Arbit said, "We have seen a very steep rise in hate crimes in the state of Michigan and across the country and we have done nothing. No corresponding legislative action to address it, and it’s time Michigan is moving from a national laggard to a national leader on this issue."
Opponents to the bill have raised free speech concerns over the legislation.
The bills would also create a new crime for vandalizing institutions like churches… temples… or mosques… based on race… color… ethnicity… or other factors.
