More Gays or shall we say, Different People, have been killed this last little week, that actually has made the news. I am certain there are others out there, who have died, simply because of their orientation, of their being Gay. It isn’t because they stole from someone, tried to muscle on the Murder’s territory, or some other perceived slight that results in Murder. It was because they were Gay.
Due to the latest Newsworthy Incidents, Hate Crime Legislation is once more being discussed. Once more it is being talked about, and once more will fall on deaf ears. Oh, sure it is being talked about, after all this IS AN ELECTION YEAR. The politicians need all the votes they can get, so they will stand up there, wring their hands, and promise the moon, or in this case Hate Crime Protection.
(Washington) There is renewed impetus to enact LGBT federal hate crime legislation in the wake of the killings this month of two young people and the vicious beating of a third person. (source)
Frankly, adding sexual orientation to Hate Crime Laws just isn’t what is needed. Oh it will do for now, as it will insure greater punishment after the fact. However it is BEFORE THAT COUNTS. Attitudes need to change, not just from those who do the Gay Bashing, but from the Educators, from the Religious Leaders, and yes, from the Politicians as well.
Each time the Mitt Romney’s of the world stand up and point to Gays as second class, another kid is targeted for being Gay. Another kid in middle school is hounded until either he gets killed, beaten up, or commits suicide. THIS IS WHAT MUST CHANGE.
Legislation to deal with the offenders after the fact is nice, but it is about what happens BEFORE that has to be dealt with. Then maybe we won’t need such legislation, won’t have to fear some VETO, because the President is Homophobic or too in the hip pockets of Religious Fanatics.
