Hate Crime Law Intended to Silence Free Speech

            It is scarcely a secret that many immigration enthusiasts don’t want to hear anyone criticize their point of view. Often they call any disagreement with that view “hate speech,” which means that it is speech they hate and want to censor. Some would even like to make such “hate speech” a hate crime. For them, our Constitution’s First Amendment guaranteeing free expression is a terrible burden to endure. It’s a burden they would like to be rid of.

            One possibility for doing so may be the so-called “hate crime” legislation, S. 909, now before the Senate. Its companion bill, H.R. 1913, has already passed the House. These measures would make it easier for the federal government to step in to states and localities to prosecute alleged “hate crimes” under an existing statute. It maintains that someone who “counsels” a hate crime is as liable to prosecution as the person who committed the act.

            How supporters of these bills may interpret “counsels” is certainly cause for concern for any American with an appreciation of civil liberties. A common propaganda line of open border zealots is that criticism of illegal immigration creates a “climate of hate” which causes crimes against illegal aliens. Thus would they define commentary against illegal immigration as “counsel” for crimes against illegal aliens that might take place?

            Supporters of these bills say no, and point to language in H.R. 1913 which affirms free speech, as guaranteed by the Constitution. Yet, keep in mind that many of their persuasion do not regard “hate speech” (as they call it) as free speech.

            Most troubling was the statement made by Rep. Sheila Jackson-Lee (D-TX), a prominent supporter of H.R. 1913 during debate on the measure. She stated, “We also need to protect those potential victims who may be recipients of hateful words or hateful acts, or even violent acts.” Thus she suggests that “hateful words” are cause for legal action. Most troubling too, in this context, is Jackson-Lee’s well-known hostility to immigration restriction and people who support it.

            We already have adequate laws on the books to give equal protection against crime. Consequently, we don’t need a special category of “hate crime” laws, which can be easily twisted to criminalize legitimate commentary and expression. Call your senators’ offices and tell them to oppose S. 909. To reach them, dial the Capitol Hill Switchboard at (202) 224-3121. Do it soon.