Is Homeless Hate Crime Legislation the Answer?

In June, an LA homeless man was burned to death in his wheelchair. In February, a Florida man was beaten to death. Last October, an LA man was doused with gasoline and burned alive. 

These unprovoked attacks against the homeless are unthinkably brutal and inhumane. And they're a reminder of a deeply disturbing fact: when you live without a home, you are more vulnerable to violence.

According to a new study by the National Coalition for the Homeless, violent attacks against the homeless are becoming more common. In fact, the organization is leading a national charge to include homeless in the groups protected by federal hate crime legislation.

There's no denying that the nature of unprovoked attackson homeless people are deeply disturbing. And with more people winding up on the streets, in cars, or in tent cities these days, lawmakers should take whatever steps are necessary to protect individuals who are vulnerable to violence. But is hate crime legislation the answer? Will the harsher penalties deter violence and make people on the streets feel more protected?

Earlier this year, Maryland become the first state to expand its hate crime law to include attacks on the homeless. According to a recent NY Times article, five other states are considering similar steps. The District of Columbia approved a similar measure last week and a federal bill was introduced in Congress just before summer recess.

The push for hate crime protection is valuable because it highlights yet another detrimental effect of living without a home. But hate crime legislation will do nothing to advance people's understanding of the root causes of homelessness or progress us towards any real solutions.

The most effective way to fight hate crimes against the homeless is to remove "homeless" from the equation with housing.