The Impact of Knollenberg's NO Vote on the Jewish Community

Joe Knollenberg had a chance Thursday, May 3, 2007, to make it a hate crime for anyone to commit a violent crime against jews if that crime was motivated by prejudice based on actual or perceived religion, etc. But Joe Knollenberg voted NO on the hate crime bill. [Roll Call Vote 299, May 3, 2007]

Knollenberg doesn't even mention this legislation on his website. Instead, his blog entry for the day was about the Red Wings. I like hockey and I love the Red Wings -- but I don't think they should be more important to my Representative in Congress than a hate crime!

This hate crime legislation was strongly supported and heralded by the Anti-Defamation League. Here is an excerpt of the ADL's position on the issue:

All Americans have a stake in an effective response to violent bigotry. Hate crimes demand a priority response because of their special emotional and psychological impact on the victim and the victim's community. The damage done by hate crimes cannot be measured solely in terms of
physical injury or dollars and cents. . . .

The ADL also notes that the argument that such legislation might be unconstitutional is a red herring:

In June 1993, the United States Supreme Court upheld a Wisconsin hate crime statute that was based on model legislation originally drafted by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) in 1981. ( Wisconsin v. Mitchell, 508 U.S. 476 (1993).)

Joe Knollenberg is not representing our interests in Congress.

Once Again, Joe Knollenberg voted AGAINST the Jewish Community.