Georgia can’t even pass a weak hate crimes bill. Wonder why?

Note: Not a damned thing has happened on this issue since I originally posted in February (except for hate crime) so I’m re-posting with a more exasperated headline. Update: In an article published today, Gov. Kemp said he’s “open” to hate crime legislation, but wouldn’t say he’d sign it–essentially the same message I received from Rep. Mitchell, who met with Kemp on the issue early in the General Assembly session. Nothing has changed. If Governor Kemp hates crime so much, why doesn’t he hate hate crimes? By Jonathan Grant @Brambleman Brian Kemp hates gangs. In 2018, the self-described “politically incorrect conservative” promised he would “protect Georgia families by crushing street gangs.” Now, his second year in office, the governor has unveiled his…

Read More

Share

Georgia is one of only four states without a hate crimes law. Wonder why?

Above: Georgia House candidate Mokah Johnson’s campaign focuses on hate crimes legislation If Gov. Kemp hates crime so much, why doesn’t he hate hate crimes? By Jonathan Grant @Brambleman Brian Kemp hates gangs. In 2018, the self-described “politically incorrect conservative” promised he would “protect Georgia families by crushing street gangs.” Now, his second year in office, the governor has unveiled his anti-gang legislation. One bill, the Nicholas Sheffey Act, would authorize stiffer penalties for gang violence, even though Georgia already has a tough anti-gang statute and Sheffield’s killer was sentenced to life without parole plus 675 years. Under Kemp’s plan, “In murder cases involving gang activity, defendants would automatically be eligible for the death penalty,” the AJC reported. “The death penalty can…

Read More

Share

If Gov. Kemp hates crime so much, why doesn’t he hate hate crimes?

By Jonathan Grant @Brambleman Brian Kemp hates gangs. In 2018, the self-described “politically incorrect conservative” promised he would “protect Georgia families by crushing street gangs.” Now, his second year in office, the governor has unveiled his anti-gang legislation. One bill, the Nicholas Sheffey Act, would authorize stiffer penalties for gang violence, even though Georgia already has a tough anti-gang statute and Sheffield’s killer was sentenced to life without parole plus 675 years. Under Kemp’s plan, “In murder cases involving gang activity, defendants would automatically be eligible for the death penalty,” the AJC reported. “The death penalty can already be used in a wide range of cases that could include gang cases, though capital punishment is becoming less common in recent years as…

Read More

Share