A new bill making the rounds in Lansing aims to strengthen the state ethnic intimidation law, which some prosecutors have deemed too weak to be effective. Focus: HOPE, along with grassroots partner, the Ethnic Intimidation Law Amendment Work Group, has led the fight to give teeth to the law and hosted a “Community Conversation” regarding the impact of the proposed legislation at Focus: HOPE headquarters.
“As a longstanding organization dedicated to racial healing, it's bittersweet to still need the law changed to keep diverse populations from being targeted, harassed, and victimized,” said Portia L. Roberson, Focus: HOPE CEO. “HB 4474 not only makes it clear that such vile behavior is illegal in Michigan, but also makes it easier to hold those accountable who use hate as a weapon.”
HB 4474 is part of a legislative package (HB 4474-4477) that would update sentencing guidelines related to criminal acts of hate against persons and buildings. The bills would make it easier to prosecute individuals who target others for their ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or disability and prohibit the defacement, destruction, and vandalism of institutions such as churches or nonprofits. The reform marks the first time the state Ethnic Intimidation Law has been updated in 35 years.
