Jacksonville City Council Meeting on New Hate Crimes Law – Action News Jax

The new law will increase fines and prison terms for certain hate crimes if it is determined that they were committed with the intention of sending a hateful message to a protected group. It cites the presence of Nazi flags, such as the one seen outside the company’s headquarters last week, and several local incidents involving anti-Semitic projections and leaflets that have plagued the city in recent years as justification for the bill.

To read: ‘It’s a symbol of true hate’: Jacksonville tire shop flies Nazi flag in Spring Park

Where specific offenses are committed with the primary purpose of expressing or promoting hostility, hostility or malice towards a protected group, fines and imprisonment may be tripled.

The public discussion on the bill will start today at 3 p.m. at the town hall.

Councilman Jimmy Peluso says his bill is a direct response to concerns expressed by his constituents after the racist mass shooting at Dollar General.

In August, Angela Carr, Anolta “AJ” Laguerre Jr. was murdered in a New Town store. and Jerrald Gallion. The suspect then turned the gun on himself.

To read: 4 dead, including shooter in racist mass shooting on Kings Rd. Dollar General

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