Boozman Votes for Equal Protection Under Law

Press Release

Boozman Votes for Equal Protection Under Law
Calls "Thought Crime" a Danger

U.S. Representative John Boozman (R-AR) today affirmed his commitment to equal rights, including equal protection under our nation's laws, by casting a no vote on a bill backed by Speaker Nancy Pelosi to make "thought crime" a federal offense.

H.R. 1592, passed the House by a vote of 237-180.

"I am committed to strong criminal penalties for violent crime, especially crime which is racially or religiously-motivated. Justice should be blind to the personal traits of its victims, and it should be equal for all," Boozman said. "However, this bill does not grant equality to anyone. Instead, it grants special status to certain victims over others - which is something I cannot support.

"In a bow to special interests, the House leadership is attempting to create a new federal ‘thought crime," Boozman said. "The concept of ‘thought crime' is a dangerous one, and this bill places us on a slippery slope where you could one day find members of the clergy called to the stand to defend their words delivered from the pulpit.

"A crime is a crime, regardless of the thought behind it, and crime should be prosecuted to its fullest extent - which should be equal for all," Boozman added.

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