In Oklahoma City, Sen. Steve Russell submitted an amendment that will keep his state from complying with the federal hate crimes law!
He wants the Oklahoma's Hate Crimes cases to stay local.
Under the new provisions of Senate Bill 1965, reports that were collected during investigations of possible hate crime that did not end in a conviction would be destroyed or kept by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.
Russell said the bill is meant to prevent the federal law enforcement officials from taking over a case and applying different standards when local law enforcement has already investigated a case.
Only a few senators questioned Russell about the contents of his proposed amendment.The measure passed 39-6 and now heads to the House for consideration.
Russell said his bill is meant to protect speech of all kinds.
"We just don’t want the pendulum to swing too far the other way,” he said. "This protects people to do or say whatever they want, as long as it complies with local ordinances.”
Russell said hate crimes should be prosecuted by local officials and not the federal government. He said the language is still being studied, but does not prevent local law enforcement from requesting help.
I'm not sure if this will go completely forward. It seems that more issues would arise if these incidents stay in the state.
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