FARGO, N.D. (KFGO) – On a 3-2 vote, the Fargo City Commission approved hate crime ordinances that have penalties to bias crimes that cover criminal mischief, harassment, and simple assault, all Class B misdemeanors that carry a maximum penalty of a $1500 fine and 30 days in jail, the most serious crime that can be charged in municipal court.
Wess Philome, the organizer of the racial justice group OneFargo and among those who pushed for Fargo’s bias crime ordinances said passing the ordinance is a great accomplishment as the city strives to be inclusive for everyone. He also said it’s important that the city enforces the ordinance “and it doesn’t end up like the discrimination law we have for the state that no one has ever been charged with.”
City Commissioner Arlette Preston said.s the ordinance is all about the safety and security of all Fargo residents. Preston recommended the city adopt a hate crime ordinance in March after the legislature defeated a similar proposed state law.
Commissioners Dave Piepkorn and Tony Gehrig voted against the ordinance.
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