There is currently a proposal to include sexual orientation under the existing Federal Hate Crime Law. Hate crimes are defined as expressed hostility toward someone's race, religion, ancestry, sexual orientation, or physical disability. These actions are meant to send a message to all who have the same quality. Some believe that hate crime law punishes attitudes and is therefore unconstitutional, threatening free speech and the First Amendment. Others believe that homosexuals should receive the same protection as any other group that is discriminated against. I believe that Congress should enact a law that includes sexual orientation as a protected class under the existing Federal Hate Crime Law. State statutes are not enough; there needs to be a national standard set
The Pledge of Allegiance states that this is "one nation . . . with liberty and justice for all." This "all" originally meant only white middle class men. It has since been expanded to include peoples of other races and cultures, females, all social origins and conditions, and all political and religious followers. And yet, there is still something missing. Until homosexuals receive the same treatment and protection as all others under the law, there is no "justice for all."
A national standard needs to be set in regards to minimums of Hate Crime laws. Sexual orientation is included in only 22 states and the District of ColumbiaÆ’Âs hate crime statutes. Some states may never include sexual orientation in their hate crime statutes. This will result in homosexuals f
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