Hate crime in Massachusetts is defined as one committed due to a person’s race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability.
Massachusetts looks to tighten hate crime statute
State Sen. Adam Hinds FILE PHOTO
Published: 5/9/2021 8:34:51 AM
The sharp increase in incidents of hate, particularly directed at Asian Americans, has prompted lawmakers to file legislation to strengthen the state’s hate crime statute, provide better training to recognize bias and redefine penalties for breaking the law.
Rep. Tram Nguyen, D-Andover, and Sen. Adam Hinds, D-Pittsfield, joined forces with Attorney General Maura Healey in an effort to protect women and immigrants as targets of hate crimes; escalate penalties for repeat offenders; combine civil rights and hate crimes statutes into one section of the law; allow for harsher sentencing for severe offenses without creating mandatory minimums; and create clearer definitions of hate crimes.
Massachusetts leaders push for hate crime overhaul
By Emma Platoff Globe Staff,Updated April 3, 2021, 5:54 p.m.
Email to a Friend
A sign at the Rally & Run To Stop Asian Hate in Hopkinton last month.Jonathan Wiggs/Globe Staff
In the wake of brutal attacks on Asian Americans in New York and Georgia, Massachusetts leaders are pushing to strengthen the stateâs hate crime laws.
A bill filed in February to clarify and fortify Massachusettsâ existing law is gathering support on Beacon Hill as state and federal leaders weigh policy changes aimed at stemming hate-fueled violence.
State Representative Tram Nguyen, state Senator Adam Hinds, and Attorney General Maura Healey are proposing a series of technical fixes to the Massachusetts law, which they said is rarely used in part because itâs confusing.
Massachusetts Bail Fund pays $100,000 to free woman charged with throwing her newborn in the trash bostonglobe.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from bostonglobe.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.