An Inclusive Litany

1/31/01

The state of Arkansas is considering hate-crime legislation that would increase by 20 percent the penalties for crimes motivated by prejudice—specifically those based on race, color, religion, ethnicity, ancestry, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, or disability. Thoughtfully, the bill makes an exemption for hate crimes relating to recognized disabilities such as compulsive gambling, kleptomania, pyromania, alcoholism, and substance abuse.