From: Kate Craig
Columbus
I notice there is a push for hate crime legislation in our state government. I never understood the need for a special version of crime. Or why certain groups should be protected anymore than other groups?
I think taking Jesus’ name in vain as a curse word is hateful. It’s an attack on the very person I worship every week in my church and, yet, people take God’s name in vain all the time. I consider it a hate crime against my faith. Will that be under the hate crime legislation?
I believe everyone should be treated equally, with respect, and no one should ever be fearful because of who they are. Having something labeled a hate crime gives a judge the right to punish someone more harshly than someone who also committed a crime that is not labeled "hate." How is that fair or equal?
Your idea of a hate crime may be different than mine. Who will make that decision?
