Facts over Fear: A bill to make hate crimes less deadly

Is there a way to make hate crimes less dangerous? Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.) hopes so.

Let me be clear, hate crimes are always dangerous, but Sen. Casey wants to make sure they don’t become deadly.

The senator has introduced the “Disarm Hate Act.” It would prevent people who have been convicted of violent misdemeanor hate crimes from buying or possessing guns. Companion legislation has been introduced in the House.

The Center For American Progress, an independent non-partisan policy institute applauds Casey and his colleagues, saying lawmakers can no longer wait to act on this issue.

In its report, the Center cites a breathtaking number of hate crimes committed in the United States: Almost 11,000 incidents reported in 2021. That’s more than 30 a day.

Another important point: People who commit hate crimes often escalate and intensify their behavior, making access to guns uniquely dangerous. And this legislation addresses a loophole in current law which doesn’t address misdemeanor hate crimes, only felonies.

John Feinblatt, president of Everytown for Gun Safety sums it up well: “Hate can be deadly when it comes armed with a gun.”

Congress has a responsibility to pass this legislation to help protect marginalized communities here in Pennsylvania and across the country.

And that my friends, that is a fact.