Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) on Thursday signed the first ever “Blue Lives Matter” law, which would make police officers and first responders a protected class in the state’s hate crime law.
“The men and women who put their lives on the line every day, often under very dangerous circumstances, are true heroes, and they deserve every protection that we can give them,” Edwards said in a statement, according to The Advocate. “They serve and protect our communities and our families. The overarching message is that hate crimes will not be tolerated in Louisiana.”
Edwards was expected to sign the law this week. He expressed support for the legislation earlier in the month, noting that he has numerous family members in law enforcement.
“As the son and brother of a sheriff, I have the greatest respect for the men and women who put their lives on the line every day to serve and protect our communities, state and nation,” he said in an earlier statement.
The new law, a response to the Black Lives Matter movement and concern by some about the potential for attacks on police officers, will go into effect on Aug. 1, according to The Advocate. Under current state law, those charged with a misdemeanor hate crime can face up to six months in prison and a $500 fine. Those convicted of a felony hate crime could get an additional five years in prison and a fine up to $5,000.
How ridiculous…Once again, some animals are more equal than others.
My mom killed = 5-10 years…Cop killed = LWOP or Death penalty.
My mom called slurs = No crime or light crime at best. Cop called slurs = “hate” crime.
People really want to exalt and put beyond criticism the same cops that have been committing violent crimes against citizens? What the fuck is going on in this country?
For Polizei und Vaterland, Heil!
I’m actually OK with police officers, fire fighters and other first responders getting additional protections.
But at the same time there needs to be greater penalties when they violate our trust and misuse the power they were granted by the people. Just like there should be deterrents to people going after first responders, there need to be deterrents against their bad actions.
Yes! I 100% agree with your statements. I, too, have no issues with LEOs and first responders having these protections (in the line of duty, that is) – but when they use their authority against us, they should have additional repercussions.
Blue Lives Matter. Human Lives, Meh…
Agreed, but my problem is that they already have additional protections. As I said the other day, it’s misdemeanor assault of you slap your neighbor, but it’s felony assault on a police officer to walk up and shove a cop. We already have laws in place that allow for harsher punishment when a cop is abused or killed, so it’s a solution in search of a problem. That’s said, this is one of those laws that even if he disagreed with it a Democratic governor in a red state is best to go ahead and sign. I don’t fault Edwards for going forward with it.
Also, I agree 100% that cops need to also be held to much higher criminal standards. There should be an aggravator in place that ads additional penalties when a cop is found guilty of certain crimes.