Gov. Brian Kemp, lower left, signs HB 426, hate-crimes legislation, into law as demonstrators hold signs asking him to veto HB 838 in the North Wing of the Georgia State Capitol building Friday, June 26, 2020. Kemp signed into law House Bill 426 which would impose additional penalties for crimes motivated by the victim’s race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender or disability. ATLANTA — .
The measure was passed alongside a new bill penalizing hate crimes in Georgia. Senate Republicans originally sought to include first responders as a protected class in the hate crimes bill, but a furious revolt by Democrats threatened to sink the effort, especially because some Republicans opposed the hate crimes bill.
Although giving police more protections goes against a national climate of demands for more police accountability after George Floyd's death in Minneapolis, it was no surprise that Kemp signed the measure.
The measure also allows police officers to file lawsuits against any person, company or group for infringing on the officer's civil rights “arising out of the officer's performance of official duties” or filing a knowingly false complaint against an officer.
It would be nice if Police Unions, members (those who are conscious, serious about restructuring law enforcement, weeding out bad cops) muster up courage, organize a protest/march with BLM. Change will only strengthen bond Law enforcement with communities.
Kemp fails Georgia. Again
Jerk.
cue the langston hughes, simply cue it up...