x
Breaking News
More () »

Georgia senators say hate crimes law should protect police

The Senate Judiciary Committee on Friday night approved a hate crimes bill passed by the state House over a year ago but added first responders as a protected class.

ATLANTA — Republicans in Georgia’s state Senate have added police as a protected class to proposed hate crimes legislation, complicating chances of its passage. 

The Senate Judiciary Committee on Friday night approved a hate crimes bill passed by the state House over a year ago but added “first responders” as a protected class alongside race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender or disability. 

Democrats on the panel opposed the move, saying inserting protections for law enforcement was not appropriate in this particular bill. Georgia has gone 16 years without a hate crimes law after the state Supreme Court tossed out a previous version.

MORE HEADLINES

Georgia lieutenant governor introduces new hate crimes law with 8 more days left in legislative session

Georgia's hate crimes bill showing signs of life

Lawmakers return to finish legislative session; Democrats propose policing changes

Five charged with hate crimes in alleged attack on Black Virginia pastor

Before You Leave, Check This Out