Faith leaders to urge Ga. lawmakers to pass hate crimes bill
Bishop Reginald T. Jackson, presiding prelate of the Sixth Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, will lead a group of faith leaders Monday at the Georgia capitol to press lawmakers to pass hate crime legislation.
Georgia is one of a handful of states that does not have a hate crimes bill that would result in tougher penalties for people who commit crimes based on race, religion, sexual orientation or disability.
A press conference is scheduled for 9:15 a.m. in the rotunda and is planned in conjunction with “AME Day” at the capitol.
More than 500 members of the AME church will visit the capitol to observe and meet members of the Georgia legislature.
“It does not speak well for Georgia that it has not passed a hate crimes law,” Jackson said in a release about the event. “Hate crimes are increasing right here in Georgia and the state cannot continue to live in denial on this issue. Three people were arrested in Georgia last week for intending to commit hate crimes.”
Last November, a 16-year-old white teenager was accused of plotting to kill worshipers inside predominantly-black Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Gainesville.
The girl allegedly planned the attack for a Wednesday bible study. However, Rev. Michelle Rizer-Pool said that no events were scheduled that night.
Authorities were notified of the teen’s plan. She later admitted that she admired convicted killer Dylann Roof.
In 2015, Roof walked into Emanuel AME Church in Charleston during a Bible study and slayed nine worshipers.
Following the press conference, Jackson will speak before both chambers of the Georgia State Legislature.
About the Author
Shelia has worked at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution for more than 30 years. Previously, she worked at The Lexington Herald-Leader and The Louisville Defender. Her beat is a bit of a mixed bag that includes religion and spirituality, culture and trends, race and aging. She earned degrees from Spelman College and Northwestern University.
