House votes to enhance penalties for threats against religious institutions

[Judi Lynn]

Source: The Hill


BY CRISTINA MARCOS - 12/11/17 07:02 PM EST

The House passed legislation on Monday that would enhance penalties for threats of violence against religious institutions amid a spike in crimes targeting Jews and Muslims.

Passage of the bill by a vote of 402-2 comes a month after the FBI released a report showing an increase in hate crimes for the second consecutive year.

The legislation would ensure that threats of violence against religious institutions could be prosecuted as hate crimes and increase the penalty for destruction of property caused by fire or explosives.


“This kind of hate crime is simply unacceptable. After all, religious tolerance is the bedrock on which this great nation was founded,” said Rep. David Kustoff (R-Tenn.), the chief author of the bill and one of only two Jewish Republicans in Congress.

Read more: http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/house/364362-house-votes-to-enhance-penalties-for-threats-against-religious

[bucolic_frolic]

1. This kind of hate crime is simply unacceptable."

Is he implying some kinds of hate crimes are a little less unacceptable?

[Solly Mack]

4. That's what I got from his statement.

This kind, bad. Other kinds - not so much.

[They_Live]

2. How about poisoning the water

or air? Should that count?

[yuiyoshida]

3. Does that include

Westboro Baptist Church? probably, huh.

[AnnieBW]

5. Does that include Mosques?

I'll believe it when the law includes Mosques.

[GulfCoast66]

6. Did you even read the article

Apparently the law is in response to attacks on Synagogues and Mosques.