WASHINGTON, DC— Hate crime protection for people with disabilities and others, including people who are gay or have a gender identity disorder, is one step closer to reality. In a highly controversial move, House and Senate negotiators agreed to attach the hate-crimes provision to the bill outlining the $680 billion Defense Department budget. The defense bill passed with 281 votes in favor and 131 Republicans and 15 Democrats in opposition. To see the exact results of the House vote, visit: http://politics.nytimes.com/congress/votes/111/house/1/770.
A recent Department of Justice report indicated people with disabilities are 50% more likely to experience violent crime than people without disabilities. About 20% of people with disabilities who have been targets of crime thought their disability was the reason criminal targeted them.
SOURCES
House Adds Hate Crimes Protections for People with Disabilities
http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2009/10/09/house-votes-hate-crimes/5734/
House Votes to Expand Hate Crimes Definition
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/09/us/politics/09hate.html?hp
House Adds Hate Crimes Protections for People with Disabilitieshttp://www.disabilityscoop.com/2009/10/09/house-votes-hate-crimes/5734/
25 comments:
I think it is a great idea that both the House and Senate decided to pass this very important hate-crimes provision with respect to people with disabilities and the gay communities. I think that most people would assume that people with disabilities are at a disadvantage when it comes to violent crimes against them, as they are not able to defend themselves as a person without a disability would assumingly do so. This is definitely a great moment in history for both the gay community and for people with disabilities. There are so many hate crimes that are directed at them for reasons out of their control and I think it has been long due for them to get the assistance they need by the Department of Justice. What is really intriguing to me is to find out what specific laws they will pass and what the consequences for the crimes will be.
It would be a great idea to review the past criminal history of people that have committed these crimes before because if so, I feel that the punishment should be harsher for them. How is a person going to learn from a consequence that really has no serious repercussions? It would be a great idea! Another great idea I think should be implemented would be to inform the person’s current employer of this criminal charge so that they are also forced to experience the consequences of their actions at work as well. After all, if they did not take into account their value of their personal and professional maybe this realization would benefit them to re-think about committing a violent crime against a person with disabilities or someone from the gay community.
Amy G.
I agree with the previous post when it comes to “what specific laws will be passed” and what exactly will be done to those who commit these crimes. Will the punishment carry more weight because it may be considered to be a hate crime? It is definitely great to see our government actually paying some attention and acknowledging the fact that these crimes are taking place. I do have to give credit and some praise for these provisions that are finally being passed but when it comes down to it…a crime is a crime and the punishment must be equal.
It’s too easy to see almost any crime and consider it as a hate crime. If a man of one racial group hits another man of a different racial group, that can be considered a hate crime. If a woman of one religion steals money from a woman of a different religion than can be considered a hate crime because after all, it had to have been planned at least for a minute to be taken into action. What I am trying to get at is that crimes are committed towards anyone including those with any sort of a disadvantage and not necessarily meaning a disability. We have to remember, regardless of having a disability or not crimes will be committed. Unless it was actually voiced by the person who committed the crime; who will determine whether it is a hate crime or not?
As for the money being invested, I was unable to find what exactly it will be used for.
It also makes a person with a disability or anyone with a disadvantage over protecting themselves think twice about their security though. It’s not right for anyone to feel unsecure.
Joseph G.
I must say it is very encouraging to see some action being taken to protect individuals with disabilities from hate crime. Furthermore, the fact that gay and those with gender disorders will also benefit from this provision is also an added plus. No matter whom a person is we all deserve respect. I have always been a strong believer of “respect” if we as a society would place more value on the concept of “Respect for ALL Individuals” we would all live in a better place all together. I don’t have to agree with everyone’s way of life but I feel a moral obligation to do unto others as I would like them to do unto me. I suppose it’s always been about putting oneself in the others person place and seeing the hurt that it causes for us to grow more and more compassionate with our fellow man. Since people with disabilities are 50% more likely to be victims of hate crimes this provision is most definitely welcomed. In addition, this provision fits in nicely with the $680 billion Defense Department budget bill to which it was attached to. Gloria P.
Good! I am glad that the House and Senate negotiators agreed to attach the hate-crimes provision to the bill outlining the $680 billion Defense Department Budget. People need to understand and realize how serious and how real hate crimes are. Most people think that people who are victims of hate crimes have either done something wrong or for some deserve what happens to them, when in fact these people have done nothing at all. It is also alarming at the high percentage of likelihood that persons with disability are to experience hate crimes than those without disabilities. I think and hope that this provision will help protect those individuals who are targeted simply because of their looks, their beliefs, and who they are. No one should be hated on or harmed just because someone does not like what they stand for. We live in America, “land of the free”, and should be allowed to do so within certain limits of the law.
Alexandria A.
Protection for the people is always essential if we desire to live in the same place altogether. Of course, there will always be different views and ways of living that won't match up with what we indiviually believe or agree with. A person with disability or a homosexual poses a threat to many people. Their different looks and lifestyles break the "norm" of society. It creates disequilibrium and stirs up the waters when society only wants peace. Personally, passing legislation to protect people with disabilities and people with different sexual orientation shows the U.S attempt to make things equal for all and is absolutely great! On the other hand, I find it absurd that laws have to be written out specifically describing which types of people society should refrain from hurting. EVERYONE deserves respect and protection!! -Eliana M.
I am so glad that people with disabilities will be protected against hate crimes. Hate crimes happen everywhere, but people with disabilities may become more prone to these incidents because of their disability. Its about time that hate crimes are acknowledge as severe crimes because they can cause alot of hardship, especially to people with disabilities because many people may consider them as unequals, or like in the past when Hitler referred to them as useless eaters. These hate crimes are an abominashion that should not be happening in this day of time. The bill that the house and senate want to pass is a very good start in helping people with disabilities feel secure and confident, that if such a crime were to happen those criminals would be charged with a horrible crime against humanity and human rights. I am however concerned that there still was a percentage of congressmen that did not approve of this bill, and i'm wondering about our state Texas, that didn't get to vote! What would their response have been?
Nancy Lozano
This is awesome. Really. That 50% statistic is astounding, but I have to say that I’m not surprised. Let me share a personal story. I’m a counselor at a middle school in one of the roughest areas of Brownsville, Texas. My 6th, 7th, and 8th graders deal with drugs, gangs, and even pregnancy on a daily basis. Let’s just say that it is definitely a challenging population to work with. Well, last year a 7th grader came in to speak with me. He was asking advice on how to get out of a gang. When I asked him why he joined in the first place, he responded that he wanted “to belong.” However, he said that this gang was beginning to vandalize school property, and that their actions would probably get worse. He didn’t want to do anything that would get him in trouble. Of course this conversation was just sad to begin with, but the worse part was when he told me about his father. His father was also a gang member. But how his father was initiated into the gang was just shocking. This boy told me the horrific story of his father killing a blind man. It’s terrible to kill anybody, but to purposely choose someone so vulnerable? That’s pure evil in my opinion. Yes, there needs to be harsher penalties for anyone that commits violent crime against people with disabilities. To go back to this story, the father is currently in prison. The boy understands that what his father did was wrong. He wants nothing to do with gangs because he realized the negative impact it can cost to the members as well as others. As far as I’ve heard, the other boys in the “gang” have left him alone since he moved on. He’s lucky; others aren’t so fortunate when they want to leave.
Vanessa C. (6345)
I personally think the passing of this hate crime legislation for people with disabilities and others is awesome. It is important that these individuals are protected and if anyone commits any criminal act towards them they should be completely responsible for their actions. These individuals as well as any other individual should not be discriminated in any way, we are all equal. It is sad that people commit hate crimes on these individuals; they should have a little more sympathy toward them rather than make their lives miserable.
Ruby Q
This type of protection is definitely needed. It is also really great that it includes the gay community and those with identity disorders. More so I agree with previous posts about exactly what does this protection entail. What kind of punishment will be received to the violators of this protection. I think that this is a step in the right direction. It is horrible that people with disabilities are 50% more likely to be discriminating against because of it. All individuals need to be treated equally regardless of disability, gender, sexual identity, or race. It will indeed be interesting to see what specific laws are included in this Hate Crime Protection. I will definitely be monitoring the developments of this protection for people with disabilities, it will be very interesting to see what is come it. I really hope that when this protection becomes effective it is well implemented.
-Bibiana Medina
In my opinion, our society has this frame of mind where they see something different and they immediately associated it with being bad. This is what often happens to people with disability and the gay community. It is very sad that discrimination among members of our own society results in hate-crimes. Those who have disabilities often are at no fault of their situation and the same for members of the gay community. I am glad the House and Senate are actually negotiating this hate-crime provision. Those people who discriminate should be punished and those who take discrimination to a farther step even more. I am really happy that our House and Senate are actually aware of what is happening and are actually taking course of action about it. I really hope the hate-crime provision comes to be a reality.
Mariana GG
I am glad to see that the house and senate will be taking action towards the hate crime that has been happening in our country. Who knows how many people with a disability or people in the gay community were taken advantage or hurt before this was actually recognized. I am pleased to see people with disabilities are being recognized and being acknowledge in the house and senate. I hope this action will happen soon, not only will this be helping people with disabilities this will also help and benefit the gay community.
To the people who discriminate should put themselves in the person shoes, to see how hard it is to get through one day. They’re already classified as different in the eyes of society why should we still continue to discriminate and make it harder for them. When this Hate Crime Protection happens it will be celebrated in the gay community and people with a disability.
Erika P
Even though legislation has been in place for decades regarding the fair treatment of individuals with disabilities, there is obviously a gap between what’s written as law, and what is practiced as law. Many people have a “do as I say, don’t do as I do” mentality and unfortunately do not “practice what they preach.” It will be a great day in history when any individual, regardless of race, gender (and related issues), religious affiliation, and physical and/or mental capacity can be seen as what and who we really are, members of the human race. It is foolish to believe that because we have our five senses in tact we are that much better than a person who cannot see, or hear as well as the rest of us. Washington has their work cut out for them, not because of the legislation under scrutiny, but not carry out what it will intend to protect.
--Elizabeth C.P.
I think this a great idea passing a law that will protect persons with disabilities and the gay communities against hate crime. I also believe that persons with disabilities and the gay communities do experience more violent crimes that persons without disabilities. Persons with disabilities might look weak and not able to defend themselves and that may make them seem like an easy target. And like mentions in the other blogs I too would like to know what exactly will be done to those who commit these crimes. Will there be a difference in the punishment? Will it carry more weight because it may be considered to be a hate crime? I think this a definitely a great moment in history for both the gay community and for people with disabilities. I know it gives me a little bit more of a relief knowing that something is being done about the violence against persons with disabilities and the gay communities.
Crystal Sanchez
Hate crimes in general that have been committed to any gender, race, or person with a disability is awful to think about. Hate crimes have been around since before the KKK and will continue to become more violent in different parts of the world. Even though this provision is great for people with disabilities as well as the gay community how much can and will they be protected. I guess I am more skeptical about these sorts of things than thinking about postive change. I just hope for once something does get done and proves me wrong!
gabby s.
It is important for every citizen to feel protected under the law, a right we are all entitled to as stated in the U.S. Constitution; regardless of any sexual orientatio and/or physical/mental disability. I was ignorant to belief this particular population of our societ was protected against any type of hate crime directed to them. the important thing is that the steps have been taken to pass the appropriate legislation to include people with disability, people who ae gay or have a gender identity disorder to hate-crimes provision bill in the Defense Department budget. It is sad to find out that people with disabilities feel unprotected and a target to violent crimes due to their disability. What type of society have we become where people feel unsafe and cannot be themselves for fear of being persecuted. This should not be the message we want for the rest of the world te receive. Especially, this should not be the view our young generations to expect and grow up with. It is essential and imperative to change this and provide a safe living environment where every citizen can work and prosper.
A.Huerta
I believe that life is valuable and worth protecting, no matter what that life believes or does. I agree that the bill is of great importance in helping us preserve life. No one should have to face danger or suffering because they believe one thing or another, or because they look vulnerable. I am a Christian and have always believed that homosexuality is against God and nature for many reasons, but I have never allowed my beliefs to harm other in any way. I believe that harming others would make me no more than a murder. The Bible says that the power of life and death is in the tongue (Proverbs 18:21). Every time you insult a person or incite someone else to hate a person you are bringing death to their emotions. I am saddened that many of the people that cause harm and damage to the homosexual population call themselves believers. Leaving my believes aside, I am proud to say that Pan-Am is putting its little stone of work into this effort. Judith Guetzow of the Department of Rehabilitation heads a program called End Violence Against Women with Disabilities. She coordinates to "provide education and technical assistance in the form of training, consultations and information to organizations and programs providing services to women with disabilities and to domestic violence programs providing shelter and related assistance." Imagine the impact that this program has made in our community and among those who have suffered violence because of their disability. Life is to be valued and it is effort like these that are the tiny building blocks of a greater foundation. It is a shame that Texas votes against the bill outweighed the amount of votes for the bill 18 to 13. Many of those "no" votes were because of the money allocated for this effort. Although I completely understand that the amount of money is beyond our means, you cannot put a price tag on human life.
References
http://www.utpa.edu/dept/rehabser/EVAWD/Index.html
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverb%2018:21&version=NIV
It is good to know that the defense bill has passed. Today in society there is a lot of hate crimes as it and its great to know that this bill in particular will help protect people with disabilities, gender identity disorder, and people who are gay. I believe that this step can speak out for people who are disabled or gay by letting other people know that they too are being protected under this new law and are not alone. In addition, I believe that this can also bring down the hate crimes against them too and hopefully it eventually does. It just disturbs me that there are people out there that think that just because a person is disabled or is gay, they feel that they got the right to harm him/her and that is just absolutely wrong.
Sylvia Garza
After reading this blog I was very pleased because the House is going to pass a law that protects those with disabilities and individuals that are gay. There has been so many hate crimes that it is unbelievable; more often than not the targets of these “hate” crimes are the disabled and those that are gay. I agree with some of the earlier posts about “do unto others as you want unto you”, I think that is very true. For instance, When I was in high school I made friends with those that were disabled because they were very nice and it made me angry when people would push them around and act as if they were nothing. Although the law is trying to protect against these hate crimes, don’t you find it odd that a certain law has to be passed in order for individuals to be safe? Are people acting as animals? I know it may be a stupid question, but this type of behavior shouldn’t be happening, we should all be treated equal and be civilized with each other. I guess being civilized with each other is asking too much of some individuals, but they will reap their punishment if they choose to participate in these hate crimes; at least that is what the law is for right?
Elizabeth G (REHS 6345)
It’s very impressive that all fields of study are so specialized. I wouldn’t imagine that it was a classification of “hate crimes”, and that this kind of crimes were directed towards people with disabilities double that to people without disabilities. How can people lack the basic compassion even more with someone that is more vulnerable and especially because of it that they are targets of crimes?...Unthinkable
I am very glad that the House of Representatives and the Senate agreed to attach provisions to this kind of crimes, to the bill of the Defense Department budget of $680 billion. This great amount of financial resources is going to be reflected in programs that will help prevent and protect people that are victims of crimes just because someone doesn’t agree with the color of their skin, or the way they act, think or believe or just for having different abilities.
L.M.Lastra
I am glad to hear that hate crime protection for people with disabilities, gay people, and people with gender disorders is about to be implemented. It’s a great government's effort. However, I believe that besides the hate crime protection plan, it is necessary to change negative societal attitudes to successfully eradicate the problem. I. Corbi
It should get passed. Many people die because of hate crimes, innocent people die because someone has a predetermined biased or prejudice. If this law gets passed many people around the US will benefit from it. Miguel Garza
HATE CRIMES are HATE CRIMES no matter who they are done to! I can't understand why any type of crime that is done because of judgement is made on another person would not be considered a hate crime by anyone. These crimes have been done to many people for many reasons and for the longest time and no one did anything about it. Any violent act done to a person because of their race, gender, disaiblity or any other characteristic they might have is horrible and there should be laws to protect people from prejeduced criminals. I have to be honest and say that I am not sure why anyone would be opposed to this law, I am sure they have their reasons. I am glad that it had many supporters and that it eventually passed. This is a major step forward.
-Leivy S. Resendiz
I was horrified to read that fifty percent of people with disabilities are more likely to experience violent crime than people without disabilities. It was shocking but true because people with disabilities will experience some form of discrimination or discomfort throughout their lives. In my opinion, people who discriminate or create acts of cruelty against a person with a disability, act because they are not educated on disabilities and see a person with a disability as a vulnerable person. This is a myth that needs to diminish because everyone has equal rights as indicated in the Constitution of the United States. It is shameful that negative experiences also shape the minds of those with disabilities and discourages them from seeking help.
C. Cardona
I am glad that this hate crime protection is getting close to reality practice. It is amazing to see the number of votes from republicans in opposition. I have not done any formal research on this issue, but I think that sexually different people (GLBT) are much more likely to be killed and/or hurt in hate crimes. However, I am no saying that PWDs are not killed and hurt. It's is just that I think the prejudice, discrimination and stigmatization is different. Many times we hear in the news about crimes in which homosexuals or prostitutes are victimized because of who they are. Anyway, that's just my opinion.
I am very happy about this as many of you are. This was a long time coming and I am glad to see it incorporates gay and individuals with identity disorders. I hope this also make those "mentally disturbed" people that commit these kinds of acts, realize what will happen to them. I think this is historical for so many out there. From what I read this will not be retroactive and I feel that it should be. For those that have committed crimes in the past but did not get punished. I am really so elated about this!!!
Criselda Gonzalez
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