Letters to the Editor
The Salt Lake Tribune
To the Editor:
Derek Monson is incorrect when he asserts that the proposed hate crime legislation (SB 107) would impact Utah's historic compromise on workplace and housing discrimination protections. ("New hate-crimes bill does not reflect spirit of 'Utah Compromise,'" Feb. 6). In fact, by its terms the bill treats all of the listed personal characteristics, such as race and religion, equally. No category is given favorable treatment over another.
SB 107 also explicitly safeguards Utahns' constitutional rights to free expression and belief, and arguments to the contrary amount to fear-mongering. Hate crime laws are triggered only when someone intentionally commits a crime because of bias. Does Monson really believe that a criminal perpetrator motivated by a religious belief should escape punishment? We doubt it.
As demonstrated in 2013, when Hurricane resident Robert Keller threatened a neighboring interracial family, violent bigotry imparts a unique individual and community impact. Utah law enforcement agencies have reported 1,279 hate crimes to the state's Department of Public Safety in the last 20 years, but none of the perpetrators has been prosecuted under the existing anemic hate crime law. At long last, Utahns deserve meaningful and effective hate crime protections.
Sincerely,
Gary E. Doctorman
Regional Board Member
Seth Brysk
Central Pacific Regional Director