Whether yelled out loud for all the world to hear, or whispered softly, directed only at you, hate is an ugly word. It evokes strong emotions, and inflicts great pain. Directed against persons who are outside what some might consider "the norm" in a particular community, hate instills fear.
For too many years outsiders were assaulted for no reason except for the fact that they were different. And for too many years men and women, otherwise decent people, stood silent and allowed the hate to grow.
We have made progress toward rectifying these wrongs. Through a long process of public educationplus hard fought court battlesmost Americans agree that hate crimes are more serious than non-bias crimes.
In 39 states there are increased penalties for crimes based on race, color, religion or national origin. According to FBI statistics, however, victims to the third highest number of bias crimes are persons perceived to be gay, lesbian, bi-sexual or transgendered. Unlike hate crimes based on race, religion, color and national origin, however, only 20 of those states have taken stands to stop crimes against someone who mayor may notbe gay. In 30 states, men and womenwho are otherwise good peopleare still standing silent in the face of hate.
I recognize that legislation is not a panacea for this problem. I also know that stronger laws will not curb crimes based on sexual orientation, at least not by themselves. What is required are men and women who will no longer tolerate homophobia in their workplace, their community, their church, or their home. What is required are people who will no longer accept "Boys will be boys" as an excuse when their neighbors son is caught gay-bashing. What is required is that fair-minded people demand a zero-tolerance policy toward hate crimes, from the police, the schools, and the churches.
Now is the time for all of us to join together in building safe and inclusive communities, with room for all. After all, this is not about special rights for one group of people; it is about basic human rights for all people.
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8/8/97 Issue. Copyright 1997 by CAMP Rehoboth, Inc. All rights reserved.