I discovered GLAAD today while watching the awards show.There was a segment on Sean Kennedy who was killed by a drunk individual (a bigot, some may say), named Stephen Moller.
Considering that I live in South Carolina, I have had experience with people who do not posses the most open of minds. Although I am not from Greenville, Sean Kennedy's death seems to be a representation of a state that I often wish to disown and leave. The loss of his life is proof and reasoning as to why I hope not spend the rest of my life in South Carolina. Bigotry is unfortunately everywhere, but South Carolina is a unique creature.
From what I read, both Kennedy and Moller were out the night of Kennedy's death. Moller punched Kennedy so hard that he broke facial bones, when his head hit the pavement he consequently suffered from severe/fatal brain damage. Moller plead guilty to involuntary manslaughter. His possible life sentence in prison was reduced to three years in prison and three years probation after his release. I read on the webpage Elke Kennedy (Sean's mother) has created that he will most likely be up for parole within 10 months. The sentence was reduced because the jury (who possibly lacks brain cells and maybe moral fiber) saw no "malicious intent" in his actions.
If South Carolina had a hate crime legislation on the books Moller would have received a harsher sentenced. There are five states that do not have hate crime legislation: South Carolina, Arkansas, Indiana, New Mexico, and Wyoming.
Check out the links below.
Stephen Moller gets three years in Sean Kennedy's death at club
Human Rights Watch: U.S. LAW AND INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS STANDARDS
National News: GLAAD Helps Pitch Story of Sentencing of Man who killed Sean Kennedy
GLAAD: Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation
1 comment:
My Favorite part is "lacks brain cells and maybe moral fiber" One thing's for damn sure, a phrase like that can get a lot of mileage in SC!
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