People who target police, firefighters and other first responders in Louisiana soon could face enhanced penalties when they commit crimes against them — just as they would for targeting someone based on their race, religion or gender.
In a swift 33-3 vote, the state Senate on Tuesday gave final approval to a bill that would add cops, firemen and other first responders to the list of protected classes under the state’s hate crime law.
House Bill 953 now heads to Gov. John Bel Edwards, who is expected to sign the legislation into law.
Supporters cite recent cases of targeted crimes against first responders as evidence that the groups need further protections. Critics, meanwhile, argue that the addition distracts from the purpose of hate crime laws.
As it made its way through the State Capitol, the bill faced no vocal opposition from legislators. It was not discussed as it came up for its final vote in the Senate. But civil rights groups and other activists have decried the effort.
A statement from the New Orleans chapter of Black Youth Project 100 called the bill “an insidious attempt to destabilize our First Amendment rights as community members who hold the police, and others sworn by oath to serve and protect, accountable.”