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The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
Tennessee Senator Mark Pody (R-Dist.17-Lebanon) has filed a bill that would increase the penalties for civil rights intimidation if the victims are minors or specifically targeted for religious beliefs or practices.
Per TCA Section 39-17-309, which details Civil Rights Intimidation, it is currently a Class D felony to attempt to stop an individual from expressing any civil right guaranteed in the Tennessee and US Constitutions by injuring or threatening them or damaging or destroying property.
This law ensures, “the constitutional right of every citizen to harbor and express beliefs on any subject whatsoever and to associate with others who share similar beliefs,” and subjects to criminal sanctions, “any unlawful acts by groups or individuals against other persons or groups for the purpose of inciting and provoking damage to property and bodily injury or death to persons.”
SB0029 would seek to upgrade the Class D felony to a Class C felony if the victim is under 18 years of age or was targeted for their, “status as a minister, preacher, pastor, priest, rabbi, or other spiritual leader of a religious belief who has been ordained or otherwise designated in conformity with the customs of a church, temple, or other religious group or organization.”
An upgrade in felony class from D to C would mean potential jail time increases from 2-12 years to 3-15 years and fines up to $10,000 instead of $5,000.
In Tennessee, felonies are classified A-E, with Class A being the most severe, inclusive of crimes like acts of terrorism, especially aggravated kidnapping, or rape of a child under 13 years of age. Class D felonies typically include crimes such as extortion, unlawful surveillance, and reckless homicide while examples of Class C offenses are robbery and aggravated assault or burglary, and arson.
The current law also lists wearing a mask or disguise with the intent to perform civil rights intimidation a Class A misdemeanor, which SB0029 will not seek to alter.
The penalties associated with this level misdemeanor are up to 11 months, 29 days prison time and fines not exceeding $2,500.
Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
