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June 8, 2007

No tolerance

No tolerance
The Lowell Sun

It is unconscionable for any citizen to assault or abuse someone because of their ethnicity, religion or sexual preference. There is no excuse for such narrow-minded, illegal behavior.

The United States must set an example for the rest of the world and show that hate crimes will not be tolerated here. Regrettably, our residents sometimes do just the opposite.

Early Saturday morning, Lowell police say three men attacked a young man they believed is gay. The man was beaten so severely that his lip was left hanging from his face and had to be stitched back on. His face covered in blood and suffering extreme pain, the victim made his way to the Lowell police substation on Bridge Street to get help.

In Lowell District Court this week, the three suspects pleaded not guilty to charges including mayhem, a civil-rights violation, and assault and battery. Prosecutors requested $2,500 cash bail for each, but the judge released all three without bail, on the conditions that they report to probation and adhere to a curfew.

The three suspects, all 19 years old and from Lowell, should not have been released without bail. What kind of message does that send to the community? That hate crimes aren't considered a serious crime in Massachusetts?

Middlesex District Attorney Gerard Leone and Acting Lowell Police Superintendent Kenneth Lavallee have vowed to prosecute to the fullest extent of the law. That sends the right message, and we applaud them for it.

No one should have to think twice before walking down a street for fear of an unprovoked attack. No one should be beaten because someone doesn't like the color of their skin or who they date.

Anyone suspected of spreading hatred and bigotry in this country must be arrested and prosecuted. Mindless destruction and terror cannot be allowed to spread through our communities.

The United States has always been a land of democracy, understanding and tolerance. Anyone who intentionally harms another because of ethnicity, religion or sexual preference must face the consequences of their actions.

Posted by Admin at June 8, 2007 8:38 AM