A resolution to encourage passage of a state hate crimes bill has been endorsed by the Fayette County Board of Commissioners.
Approved on a 4-1 vote June 11 with Randy Ognio in opposition, the board’s statement “requests that the General Assembly adopt House Bill 426 as law in the State of Georgia” to “revise the criteria for imposition of punishment for crimes involving bias or prejudice and the sanctions for such crimes.”
Introduced by Charles Rousseau and seconded by Edward Gibbons, the measure prompted a lengthy discussion during which Charles Oddo and Eric Maxwell expressed, respectively, reservations about legal definitions and possible repercussions from legislators who oppose the bill. Ognio, who lost his bid for reelection in the recent Republican primary, questioned how hate-crime intent could be proven and added, “We seem to have an issue with people hating the police.”
Rep. Derrick Jackson and former Rep. Virgil Flood spoke in favor of the measure before the vote. A copy of the resolution will be sent to each member of the Georgia House and Senate as they reconvene for the final days of the legislature.
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