History: Hate Crime Legislation
Why We Need Hate Crime Legislation
Most would agree that a home equates to a high level of safety and protection. So most would probably agree that homelessness = being unprotected. With few safe havens available, people experiencing homelessness face the greatest risk of harm.
Without a door to lock behind them, individuals experiencing homelessness are vulnerable to inclement weather, declining health, and people of all hours of the day. To make matters worse, the social stigma that has developed around homelessness has further alienated and victimized people without housing.
The National Coalition for the Homeless actively reports on violent attacks committed against the homeless population. These studies reveal not only the brutality of these acts, but also highlight the most likely perpetrators as teenage boys. Whether it is under the widespread belief of homeless citizens as lesser subjects, the reality of unhoused individuals as easy targets, the thrill of violence, or a combination of all three, homeless persons are at risk and experiencing violence and hateful acts, many of which result in death.
Without a door to lock behind them, individuals experiencing homelessness are vulnerable to inclement weather, declining health, and people of all hours of the day. To make matters worse, the social stigma that has developed around homelessness has further alienated and victimized people without housing.
The National Coalition for the Homeless actively reports on violent attacks committed against the homeless population. These studies reveal not only the brutality of these acts, but also highlight the most likely perpetrators as teenage boys. Whether it is under the widespread belief of homeless citizens as lesser subjects, the reality of unhoused individuals as easy targets, the thrill of violence, or a combination of all three, homeless persons are at risk and experiencing violence and hateful acts, many of which result in death.
Hate Crime Legislation: Nationwide Scope
Reports of violence against the homeless are on the rise nationwide. Between 1999-2011, 1,289 acts of violence were committed against people experiencing homelessness, for the mere fact that they were homeless, and 339 of these acts resulted in death, according to the National Coalition for the Homeless.
Hate crime legislation that includes housing status as a protected category is currently active in 8 other states, including: Alaska, California, Florida, Maine, Maryland, Ohio, Rhode Island, and Washington.
Hate crime legislation that includes housing status as a protected category is currently active in 8 other states, including: Alaska, California, Florida, Maine, Maryland, Ohio, Rhode Island, and Washington.
Connecticut Hate Crime Legislation
In the beginning of 2013, New London Representative Hewett introduced the legislation.