FEDERAL ANTI-LYNCHING LAW: REASON FOR IT OVERDUE

It is everyone’s dream to be part of a community, environment, nation where there is complete peace, serenity, and of course love for one another. However, the inception of a wide array of beliefs, cultures, and most of all racial discrimination is shattering the peace that once existed in our nations and communities. This, of course, is making lots of nations especially the US to implement drastic measures like the death sentence or lynching for anyone charge with capital crimes (Treason).

Understanding Lynching

Whenever you think of premeditated extrajudicial killing by a group, think Lynching. Unlike other forms of murder, lynching personifies informal public executions. Most of which are carried out by a mob or mob bosses as a means of punishing an alleged transgressor, convicted transgressor, or better still to threaten a group. Amongst other things, these acts are conducted with the display of a public spectacle (by hanging) for maximum intimidation.

Anti-Lynching Laws

It has been ages precisely since the 1900s of repeated failure to pass the Anti-Lynching bill to congress. With that in mind, February 26, became the latest date in a long line of dates where Congress moves to make Lynching a Federal Crime after 120 Years of Failure. In a bid to make this bill, a realistic one some 120 years later, the legislation could be on its way to the Oval Office. This quest for making lynching a federal crime by the house and Senate is yet to bore fruits.

This is simply because of the constant hurdles, administrative bottlenecks as well as the passage of time. All of which has made the efforts of some congressional representatives in support of the anti-lynching legislation increasingly symbolic. However, there is some light at the end of the tunnel as a measure to add lynching to the United States Criminal Code passed in the House. With that said, the moment the bills are reconciled formally, it must be tendered to the oval office pending the approval and or signature of President Trump.

Lawmakers and Anti-Lynching Laws

While delays in the adoption of anti-lynching laws continue to make news in the US, lawmakers are skeptical regarding the day the bill will be made law. This comes nearly after 200 anti-lynching bills have come and gone. All of which was inspired by a black congress member and North Carolina’s own (George Henry). The inception and possible adoption of the said anti-lynching bill is a step in the right direction.

Taking to mind the 410 votes in support of this February 26 bill from both sides of the aisle marked a step in the right direction. Furthermore, put an end to increased hate crimes, including the continued use of lynching, or the threat of lynching, to terrorize Americans especially those of color.

Libertarian-Leaning Legislators and Anti-Lynching Laws

With lynching illegal in the US, it is absurd to think or comprehend the motive behind two libertarian-leaning legislators voting against an anti-lynching law. As shocking as this may seem, failure to enact Anti-Lynching Laws will go a long way to federalize crime. While handing powers to state prosecutors regarding the possible expansion of the federal death penalty sentence.

Final Note

With delays in implementing, a 120-year-old law (Anti-Lynching Laws) especially in a nation as influential as the US means something is wrong. A nation that strives for democracy, freedom, and equality for all irrespective of the color of one’s skin has failed in aspects regarding lynching. However, looking at the bright side of things, the future is bright.