ST. PAUL -- Crimes based on bias would receive 25 percent longer prison terms under a bill Minnesota senators approved Monday 40-19.
Sen. Ron Latz, D-St. Louis Park, said the bill came after an African immigrant was struck with a beer mug from someone who objected to her talking in her native language in a Twin Cities restaurant.
Bias would have to be proved in court beyond a reasonable doubt, Latz said. It could be bias based on race, sex, color, religion, sexual orientation, disability, age or national origin.
"It strikes me as being a bit harsh," Sen. Scott Newman, R-Hutchinson, said.
Sen. Jim Abeler, R-Anoka, said the law will not stop bias. "The only way to stop this is mutual respect."
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