By Justin Wm. Moyer

April 22, 2016

For many, “hate crime” means an act of violence perpetrated against a member of a minority group. But what about targeting someone because they serve and protect?

Now, in the era of the “blue lives matter” response to the “black lives matter” movement, some legislators in Louisiana are trying to answer that question. A committee in the state’s house of representatives has advanced a bill that classifies offenses committed against cops and firefighters as hate crimes.

“We have a pretty extensive hate crime law right now, but I believe we should add firefighters and policemen,” Rep. Lance Harris (R-Alexandria), who supports the bill, said, as the Advocate noted.

 

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2016/04/22/louisiana-bill-would-make-offenses-committed-against-police-hate-crimes/