State Rep. Tony Cook (R-Cicero) released the following statement regarding the recent anti-Semitic vandalism at the Congregation Shaarey Tefilla in Carmel:
Cook
“It is my understanding that Indiana judges currently have the implicit ability to enhance sentences motivated by a criminal’s bias and hatred. I believe that with the increasing incidence of these crimes, illustrated by the recent synagogue vandalism in my home county, it is time to emphasize and explicitly include within the law’s aggravating factors for criminal sentencing those crimes motivated by bias or hatred toward the victims. I will vote to support a bias-motivated hate crime bill, and it is my intention to draft a bill to generate discussion and address this issue.
“I have personally experienced these types of hateful attacks through profane and sometimes physically threatening anonymous letters, while serving as the principal during Ryan White’s admission and unrestricted attendance at Hamilton Heights High School. Accordingly, I have no tolerance for these heinous, intolerable acts towards individuals and groups, and neither should our Hoosier state as a whole.”
State Rep. Tony Cook (R-Cicero) represents House District 32, which includes all of Tipton County and portions of Hamilton, Madison, Delaware, Howard and Grant counties.