Hate in Wyoming?

WORLAND – Following an Aug. 12 white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, that resulted in the death of one counter-protestor and two state troopers (due to a helicopter crash), Wyoming state lawmakers were quick to denounce the violence, while local resources closer examined the way the state treats racially and religious-motivated crimes.

Wyoming’s U.S. Representative Liz Cheney responded, using Twitter to issue a statement following the violence. “Vile white supremacist/neo-Nazi hatred has no place in America.”

U.S. Senator Mike Enzi responded that “White supremacist notions, hate and violence have no place in our society,” concluding that “we should condemn those who use violence to propagate hatred, racism, or anti-Semitism in our Country.”

Sen. John Barrasso noted that “Violence and hatred are not the American way,” requesting prayers for the victims.

In Worland, where recently, flyers were found publicly posted to advertise for the white nationalist group Vanguard America, local legal professionals are relying on long-established laws and social programs to combat crime associated to racism and bigotry, as Wyoming has no hate laws on the books.

“Existing laws already cover basic crimes resulting from possible racism,” explained Washakie County Attorney John Worrall. For instance, a racially-motivated assault would be charged as an assault, regardless of motivation, as with arson, harassment or vandalism.

For crimes committed blatantly in the name of bigotry, Worrall notes that federal protections exist, and those crimes could always be handed over to federal prosecutors to prosecute at their discretion.

If the county thought that nationalism or racism was a motivating factor, the attorney could consider enhancements under existing statutes to request an expanded sentence.

“For the safety of the community, and morally, we are compelled to consider enhancements,” said Worrall.

While the state has considered enacting hate law legislation in the past, Governor Matt Mead, a former state and federal prosecutor, has opposed the measure. In 2015, when the law was last being considered, Mead responded by stating that “I don’t believe I know of a case in Wyoming where there’s been a failure of prosecution due to a lack of laws [in Wyoming].”

On Wednesday, a Quinnipiac University survey of 1,514 voters showed that 65 percent of those polled think that the level of prejudice and hatred in the U.S. has increased since the last presidential election.

Locally, programs exist to teach local youth about the ramifications of racism and bigotry, as evidenced by prevention programs offered through the Office of the County Attorney.

“Some of our primary violence prevention programs that focus on youth specifically address appreciating differences. Coaching Boys into Men has a session on modeling respect and promoting equality while the female-specific program Athletes as Leaders, has a session on understanding privilege and oppression. We are always trying to find ways to help our kids become good people,” said Bob Vines, Washakie County Victims and Witness coordinator.

“We are required to provide services to all victims of crime in Washakie County regardless of race, color, religion, disability, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or national origin. We also have requirements to address underserved populations and receive special, ongoing training on how to provide services to all people,” noted Vines.

“Although we have not seen many hate crimes locally, the Washakie County Victim Witness Program has a professional and moral obligation to be prepared.”