Wilson Opposes "Thought Crimes" Legislation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 3, 2007

Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) today opposed H.R. 1592, a bill that would categorize victims of violent crimes based on gender, sexual orientation, and race, among others, and levy harsher penalties against their attackers based on those criteria.

"Law-abiding citizens oppose crimes against all persons. The law should not distinguish between victims or levy higher penalties based on a criminal???s supposed motive. Our legal system was founded on the principle that justice is blind. It is our duty to uphold this standard.

"Furthermore, certain provisions of this bill would inhibit the free practice of religion and compromise First Amendment rights. For these reasons, I could not support this legislation."

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