Jason Chaffetz on Crime 2012 Senate Challenger; Republicam House member (UT-3)

Voted NO on enforcing against anti-gay hate crimes.

Proponent's argument to vote Yes:Rep. JOHN CONYERS (D, MI-14):This bill expands existing Federal hate crimes law to groups who are well-known targets for bias-based violence--they are sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, and disability. These crimes of violence are directed not just at those who are directly attacked; they are targeting the entire group with the threat of violence.

Opponent's argument to vote No:Rep. LAMAR SMITH (R, TX-21): Every year thousands of violent crimes are committed out of hate, but just as many violent crimes, if not more, are motivated by something other than hate--greed, jealousy, desperation or revenge, just to name a few. An individual's motivation for committing a violent crime is usually complex and often speculative. Every violent crime is deplorable, regardless of its motivation. That's why all violent crimes should be vigorously prosecuted. Unfortunately, this bill undermines one of the most basic principles of our criminal justice system--equal justice for all. Under this bill, justice will no longer be equal. Justice will now depend on the race, gender, sexual orientation, disability or other protected status of the victim. It will allow different penalties to be imposed for the same crime. This is the real injustice.

Blue Lives Matter: prosecute hate crimes against police.

Congressional Summary: To make an attack on a police officer a hate crime.

• Whoever knowingly attempts bodily injury to any person, because of the actual or perceived status of the person as a police officer--
• Shall be imprisoned for up to 10 years, and/or fined;
• Shall be imprisoned for up to a life term if death results from the offense; or if the offense includes kidnapping, sexual abuse or an attempt to kill.
• Federal prosecution may take place if the state verdict or sentence left demonstratively unvindicated the Federal interest in eradicating bias-motivated violence; or federal prosecution is in the public interest and necessary to secure substantial justice.