This week the House of Representatives will vote on H.R. 1592, the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2007. This legislation seeks to federalize certain violent crimes - but only if you qualify for one of the categories they have created.The 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution states that every U.S. citizen should be granted equal protection under the law. H.R. 1592 establishes a system where victims would be treated differently based on the "actual or perceived" class or group with which they identify.
Merriam-Webster defines a caste system as "a system of rigid social stratification," whereas some are given privileges and priority over others. The very concept of a caste system in the United States should be loathsome; however that is what this bill seeks to create. Under this legislation if a man who defines himself as bisexual is attacked it will automatically be assumed the local authorities are inadequate and he will have access to millions of federal dollars to help in the investigation. In contrast, if a member of the military or a pregnant woman is attacked they have no federal outlet to turn to.
I wholeheartedly condemn violence against anyone, but if all Americans are to be treated equally this caste system cannot be allowed to become law. (Family Research Council.)
