Sen. Jim Abeler (R-Anoka)
Penalties would increase for felony assaults motivated by bias, under a bill the Minnesota Senate passed today (Mon) over objections of some Republicans. Anoka Senator Jim Abeler argues, “The better way is to help people understand: To say, how could you not like this person; How could you not see the beauty this person brings to our country?” Saint Louis Park Democrat Ron Latz responds a bias-crime perpetrator is trying to send a message not only to the victim but to many others “that they’re not welcome here; that they are somehow less as a human being.” Governor Mark Dayton highlighted the issue in his State of the State address, stating support for a woman who was hit in the face with a beer mug at a Coon Rapids restaurant by someone who objected to her not speaking English.