Hate Crimes
What is a Hate Crime?
A Hate Crime is an offense motivated by racial, sexual, or other prejudice. More often than not, Hate Crimes usually involve violence.
Human Rights Committee
In June 2000, a 7 person State committee on Human Rights was established to provide counsel for Human Rights issues. Committee members are appointed by the Governor and terms last for 5 years. This change was a very important one for the State of New Hampshire, as it showed the rest of the state that Hate Crimes and Human Rights violations are taken seriously.
The purpose of the committee is to audit and ensure State Agencies are taking Hate Crimes seriously. They also suggest and propose new laws to protect human rights.
The Supreme Court considers it a Civil Right for any person to have reasonable accommodations made for any disabilities while in a public place. This includes measures such as handicap ramps and elevators in bigger buildings.
Equal Employment Opportunity
When applying for a job, no candidate has the right to be disqualified due to the following 10 reasons:
- Age
- Sex
- Race
- Creed
- Color
- Marital Status
- Physical or Mental Disability
- National Origin
- Sexual Identity
- Sexual Orientation
When an employer evaluates a candidate, they must do it on the basis of qualifications, not on any factors which may make a candidate diverse.
A union may not prohibit a person from joining for any of the above reasons as well.
Employers must take reasonable measures to ensure their employees are comfortable in their work environment. They must also make reasonable accommodations to disabled employees.
Persons also have a right to Fair Housing. A bank or Landlord cannot refuse housing to a qualified purchaser/Tenant for the above reasons.
It is illegal for any person to interfere, Coerce, or intimidate an employee based on any of the above.
Penalties
Committing a Hate Crime on its own is a Class “A” Misdemeanor. However, Hate Crimes are usually accompanied with another crime such as Assault or Vandalism so a Hate Crime can be tacked on as an additional charge. The only difference with a Hate Crime Misdemeanor and a regular Misdemeanor is that the Hate Crime misdemeanor also carries a minimum prison sentence of 3 months.
The penalty for Hate Crimes was established in May 1992, so it is very likely that the penalties will be made harsher in the near future as the world moves to become a more sensitive and inclusive place.
For Felonies committed with a Hate Crime (these are felonies the court has found to be motivated by the victim’s actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, or physical/mental disability):
Class “A” Felony: A sentence of a minimum of 15 years.
Class “B” Felony: A sentence between 10 and 15 years.
Class “C” Felony: A sentence between 2 and 10 years.
