Hunter
09/30/21
The North Liberty City Council unanimously passed a “hate crime” ordinance that carries a fine and jail sentence.
The Press-Citizen reports that the council believes the ordinance will “add teeth” to existing laws at the state and federal level. Anyone convicted of a trespassing or harassment misdemeanor categorized as a “bias-motivated hate crime” by North Liberty Police would face a fine of up to $855 and up to 30 days in jail, depending on the severity of the incident and whether the convicted person is a repeat offender.
Anyone committing a crime against someone because of their race, skin color, creed, religion, national origin, political affiliation, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, or marital status may be prosecuted under the new ordinance.
The law is similar to the one passed in Iowa City in 2019.