Rep. Jennifer Konfrst (D-Windsor Heights) talked about the divisiveness in the country.
“People are angry, people are scared and people are divided,” she said. “Now on its face I understand why this bill to address hateful actions against others is supposed to be the antidote to that. But that is exactly what makes this bill so frustrating to me.
“Who are we to decide which groups get to be protected under the law if not all groups. Who are we to decide who should and should not be safe against hate crimes. Who are we to pick and choose?”
Konfrst said legislation like this cynically pits groups against each other instead of uniting against all hate and all discrimination.
“Now more than ever, what we do in here sends a message into a divided world,” Konfrst said. “And if that message further divides us, we have to work to stop it. I am so proud to stand up for unity and against this divisive legislation.”
