Lawmakers in Arkansas, US, have proposed hate crime laws be enacted so perpetrators could face longer jail times for targeting someone on the basis of their race, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity.
According to NBC News, the bill is a priority for state governor, Asa Hutchinson, who believes those committing hate crimes should face up to 20% additional jail time or fines: “We have to express as a society that [hate crimes] should not be tolerated and that we should have enhanced penalties for that.”State governor, Asa HutchinsonThe bill reportedly has strong support from Democrats, but conservatives have raised concerns over increased protections for the state’s LGBTQ+ community.