Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Is Killing Liberals a Hate Crime?

Slate finds few states consider political violence a hate crime

By Drew Nelles,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 31, 2008 5:45 PM CDT
Email

(Newser) – The suspect in last weekend’s Knoxville church shooting told police that “liberals should be killed because they were ruining the country.” But Tennessee, like the federal government and most states, doesn’t extend hate-crime law to political affiliation, explains Chris Wilson in Slate. In fact, legal experts say politically motivated hate crimes are rarely prosecuted.

Tennessee authorities are investigating the church shooting as a hate crime because the suspect also confessed to targeting gays, and state law only specifically mentions “race, religion, color, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, or gender.” But a few states—including West Virginia, Iowa, and Oregon, along with DC—consider political violence a hate crime.

People enter the Second Presbyterian Church Monday, July 28, 2008 in Knoxville, Tenn. as they attend a candlelight service for members of the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church.
People enter the Second Presbyterian Church Monday, July 28, 2008 in Knoxville, Tenn. as they attend a candlelight service for members of the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church.   (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
This 1997 photo shows Linda Kraeger, a retired English professor who was one of two people killed in a shooting at the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church in Knoxville on July 27, 2008.
This 1997 photo shows Linda Kraeger, a retired English professor who was one of two people killed in a shooting at the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church in Knoxville on July 27, 2008.   (AP Photo/ho)
Four days after being shot at the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church, Joe Barnhart explains what he remembers on Wednesday, July 30, 2008 in Knoxville, Tenn.
Four days after being shot at the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church, Joe Barnhart explains what he remembers on Wednesday, July 30, 2008 in Knoxville, Tenn.   (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Flowers and balloons lay on the church sign serving as a memorial at the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church Monday, July 28, 2008 in Knoxville, Tenn.
Flowers and balloons lay on the church sign serving as a memorial at the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church Monday, July 28, 2008 in Knoxville, Tenn.   (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

Why Adkisson did what he did
New York Times

 
law • hate crime • Tennessee • liberals • church shootings

More Newser Stories

Letter: Tenn. Gunman Hated 'Liberals,' 'Gays'

Gunman Charged in Deadly Attack on Tenn. Church

Six Arrested in Horrific W.Va. Abuse Case
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne