Hate Crimes – Family Council

Washington State’s Hotline to Report “Hate”: Guest Column

Apr 29, 2024John StonestreetLGBTHate Crimes, LGBT

Late last month, Washington State Governor Jay Inslee signed a bill to create a state-run hotline so that residents can report “hate crimes” and “bias incidents.” Such “crimes” and “incidents” include noncriminal activity like refusing to use someone’s pronouns or accidentally misgendering a person. No evidence is required to report someone.

Proponents of the bill say that the hotline is necessary for members of marginalized communities who “might be afraid to contact police.” In reality, it will pit members of the community and, potentially, families against one another and could mobilize police and Child and Family Services to violate families and enforce radical and dangerous ideas about sex and gender.

Tragically, Washington is the state most impacted by retail theft, among other crimes. What residents there really need is legal and police reform to protect their safety and uphold their freedoms.

Updated: Arkansas House of Representatives Passes Bad “Hate Crimes” Measure

Apr 12, 2021Jerry CoxHate CrimesArkansas Legislature, Hate Crimes

On Monday the Arkansas House of Representatives passed S.B. 622, a bad bill widely being referred to as a “hate crimes” measure. The measure passed by a vote of 65 to 26. The bill previously passed the Arkansas Senate.

As we have written repeatedly, S.B. 622 is so ambiguous that it’s impossible to know just how far-reaching this legislation may be.

The bill fails to define crucial terms like ‘recognizable and identifiable.’

Its protections for religious liberty are inadequate.

It does not contain sufficient safeguards to prevent cities and counties from enacting their own, more stringent hate crimes ordinances.

It does not do enough to protect free speech or prevent thought-policing.

The bill now goes to Governor Asa Hutchinson.

Below is a breakdown of the vote on S.B. 622.