Hate Blog Comment on RU12? Website goes to court...

Hate speech is everywhere.  We all know it, we all confront it, and we all wish it were not so!  We speak out against it, we teach and educate on it and we make it known when it happens...

Several months ago appeared some hate speech on the RU12? website, someone spoke out against marriage equality...not only spoke out against marriage equality but chose to write his opinion piece under a story we posted that documented a serious hate crime that took place on Church Street in Burlington.  This writer posted that "the beatings will continue." 

We took that remark very seriously.  We considered it to be hate speech.  We contacted the police and asked that charges be filed against the person who wrote the blog.  The Burlington police were extremely helpful and also took the remark seriously.  Charges were filed and an arraignment set. 

At the arraignment the defense attorney challenged probable cause.  The State's Attorney's office did an amazing job defending the Center and challenged the court to find probable cause.  After a very articulate and powerful argument the Judge presiding in the case was unable to find probable cause and the case was dismissed.

Although disappointed that it was dismissed The Center is very pleased with the representation given us by the State's Attorney's office.  They did a great job, and took this very seriously. 

Weighing the options is always something one must do before proceeding to court.  The options were weighed and analyzed, and although many of us knew that there was a risk of this case being dismissed we wanted to take a stand anyway. 

We are not here to be harrassed, insulted or threatened and if that should happen the Center continues to see Police and State's Attorney involvement whenever necessary.

If you have a minute please call TJ Donovan and thank him for the hard work done by very capable Deputy State's Attorney's in his office.  652-0386 ~ Let them know you appreciate them taking hate speech against your community seriously...

Comments

[Karl Marx]

Aren't we about due for a Gay, Socialist President?

Put down your haterade and embrace your inner broke back!