Is condemning hate crimes now controversial?

Is condemning hate crimes now controversial?

Welcome back to local politics and why your vote matters.

In Jamestown, CA, a violent hate crime shocked the community. A gay man was lured to an apartment and brutally assaulted by a man and two juveniles. His injuries were so severe he had to be hospitalized.

Understandably, the community asked the Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors to issue a simple resolution condemning hate crimes—just a formal statement saying violence and hate have no place here. The resolution was short, acknowledging that LGBTQ individuals face higher risks of hate crimes, and ended with this:

"The Board of Supervisors condemns hate crimes and violence in Tuolumne County."

That’s it. No policy changes, no mandates—just a basic condemnation of hate.

But apparently, even that was too much. Three out of five supervisors refused to support it. Maybe this is just unusual? Do boards ever issue resolutions against things like child abuse? Yes. Constantly.

So condemning harm isn’t controversial—unless it involves LGBTQ people.

Instead, Supervisor Anaiah Kirk snuck in his own version, replacing every word—including the title—to erase any mention of hate crimes. Because to them, taking a stand against targeted violence is somehow too radical.

This is why local politics matter. Pay attention.