It is no secret in this country that their are crimes committed against people simply because of their race, or religous beliefs. Although it is certainly tragic we are still dealing with these issues in the 21st Century, I do not believe new hate crime laws, such as the The David Ray Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2007 are the solution.

Recently an incident occurred in Maine which is being investigated as a hate crime.

Police are investigating as a possible hate crime an incident in which a ham steak was placed in a bag on a lunch table where a group of Somali students were sitting.

Such an incident would be offensive to Somalis, who are Muslims and consider pork unclean.

A Lewiston Middle School student was suspended after the incident, which happened April 11.

Superintendent Leon Levesque said the incident is being treated seriously and police are investigating. The center for the Prevention of Hate Violence is working with the school to devise a response plan. (emphasis mine)

I wonder how this would be classified on the police report? Assault with an offensive meat product?

This incident (if you can even call it that) is being investigated as a hate crime, when it could simply have been someones forgotten lunch.

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Racism, Religion