Michigan lawmakers look to expand hate-crime laws

Lansing Police Chief: “We need to send a strong message”

Lawmakers and law enforcement both say it is time to get tough on hate crimes. Legislation spearheaded by Rep. Paul Condino (D-Southfield) would expand Michigan’s hate-crime law to include additional classes of people.

Continued -Vowing to get it through the current lame-duck session of the house, Condino introduced legislation on Thursday that would add intimidation of gays and lesbians and people with disabilities to the hate-crime list. The measure would also bring stiffer penalties to those who do things commonly associated with bias and prejudice, such as hanging a noose or burning a cross on someone’s property

While the measure is expected to pass in the House, its future in the Senate is uncertain. State Senator Hansen Clark stood by Condino and the others pushing for the change. The Detroit Democrat said, “I want to send the message that we need to be tolerant of everyone’s differences. We also want to attract jobs. We want to show that Michigan is a welcoming, accepting state of everyone.” He said he will do his best to convince the Senate that this is the right thing to do.

Prior to introducing the legislation to strengthen the state’s ethnic intimidation law, Condino held a news conference where he said the changes would bring Michigan in line with 31 other states that have made similar changes. Current Michigan law makes many crimes simple misdemeanors without taking hate into account. An attack against a disabled person is now considered a simple assault and a cross-burning is often treated as mere vandalism. 

The changes are supported by a wide array of civil rights organizations and law enforcement.

Linda Parker, director of the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, said the measure will address the growing number of hate crimes in Michigan. She said civil rights advocates and police are frustrated because they cannot effectively prosecute people for hanging nooses with the intent of frightening others  or charge attackers with intimidation based on their victim’s sexual orientation.

Parker said Michigan sadly ranks third among states in the number of reported hate crimes.

“It’s time for us to fast-forward and have a law that is responsive to what is going on now,” Parker said.

Lansing Police Chief Mark Alley spoke for the many police agencies represented. He said law enforcement believes state laws must recognize the seriousness of a violent crime against people that is motivated by bias and hate. He added: “We need to send a strong message that violence against another person because of the color of their skin, their gender or their sexual orientation is unacceptable and will be met with severe consequences.”

Washtenaw County Prosecutor Brian Mackie said the revised hate-crime law would make it easier to convict those who harass or intimidate others because of appearance, real or perceived.

Note: This version of the story corrects the name of Washtenaw County Prosecutor Brian Mackie.