Two years ago Jeffrey Conroy of Patchogue was convicted of a hate crime. Conroy stabbed immigrant Marcelo Lucero. For two years the Suffolk County law enforcement could not come up with a decision in the case. The case has posed a large problem because Lucero was an immigrant. Under the 14th Amendment citizens of the United States are granted civil rights. Under the equal protection clause, "no state shall... dent to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws." Here on Long Island there are many immigrants that are certainly not treated equally. Lucero was stabbed by a Caucasian man as a hate crime, but since Lucero was an immigrant the 14th amendment could possibly pose misconceptions, in that he might not be granted those civil rights.
Due to the high level of of immigrants in Suffolk County and the discrimination against them, the Suffolk County police force has not done anything about it. Instead the county has been trying to crack down on illegal immigrants by, "cracking down on day-hiring and rental housing." Sadly, these hate crimes have been going on for a while. It was not until Marcelo Lucero's life was taken that the Suffolk County law enforcement enacted on the issue. Conroy was guilty of manslaughter as a hate crime.
After this case communities are now going to put more emphasis on providing equal protection for the people of the community rather than focusing on anti-immigration. Immigrants are not going to be afraid to speak out anymore about these hate crimes. They now know the law will protect them.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/20/opinion/20tue4.html?scp=1&sq=long%20island%20verdict&st=cse
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment