Hate Crime Laws

* Re “Hate Crime Legislation,” Letters to the Valley Edition, Nov. 21.

Kevin Lawrence writes regarding hate crime legislation that “it is truly unfortunate that our elected representative Brad Sherman can advocate legislation that is patently unconstitutional.”

Lawrence is incorrect about the constitutionality of hate crime laws. In June 1993, the United States Supreme Court unanimously upheld a Wisconsin hate crime statute that was based on model legislation originally drafted by the Anti-Defamation League in 1981 (Wisconsin vs. Mitchell, 508 U.S. 476).

Hate crime laws do not punish thoughts. The laws provide for enhanced penalties for crimes where the victim is targeted because of race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender or disability. Such crimes not only harm individuals but often have far-reaching consequences for entire communities, leaving them feeling isolated, vulnerable and unprotected.

What is lacking under the current federal law is an aggressive means for deterrence. If a hate crime law deters a single bigot from creating an unspeakable bias crime, or spares a life, then the law will have rightfully served its purpose.

AARON LEVINSON

Director, Valley Office

Anti-Defamation League

West Hills