The recent series published in The Herald Bulletin — “Intolerance, Keeping Us Apart” — was informative and well-meaning. However, I do not think Indiana needs a “hate crime” law.

Too often, in such laws, attempts are made to incorporate certain speech as “hate speech.” These laws infringe on my right to publicly and freely express my opinion on any matter. In America, people are supposed to be able to express their views, except they cannot promote overthrow of our government by force. If they do, then their speech becomes criminal.

I hate the existence of abortion clinics, and their gruesome murder of babies. Am I guilty of hate speech when I publicly state that I think God’s judgment will fall upon the perpetrators? Can a jury look into my mind and discern whether this is spoken out of hate? Let the law be as heavy-handed on all lawbreakers as it is on any single one. In America, all men are supposed to be created equal — not some more special than others.

Arthur W. Darrah

Alexandria