| Washington, D.C.- U.S. Congressman Frank Lucas opposed legislation to treat crimes against protected groups with greater punishments than crimes against non-protected groups.
The legislation would expand current hate crimes laws to prohibit crimes motivated by the actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or disability.
“I have a strong record of being tough on crime, and that’s why I’m opposed to any legislation that will set different punishments based on the identity of the victim,” Lucas said. “Acts of violence should be harshly punished by the laws already on the books. The punishment should fit the crime, not the sexual orientation of the victim.”
Lucas voted against the “Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act” today. The bill passed the House by a vote of 237 to 180.
“The Constitution provides for equal justice under the law, and this legislation would set different levels of justice for different groups,” Lucas said. “That’s unconstitutional, and I believe if this bill becomes law it would be struck down by the courts.”
The legislation goes next before the Senate for consideration. The President has indicated he would veto the legislation because it is unnecessary and constitutionally questionable.
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