July 8, 2003: Osceola & ADL Fight Hate

In July 2003, the Anti-Defamation League assisted officials in St. Joseph County and Osceola, IN as they developed new laws to combat hate-related activities. The need for such an ordinance arose when a local farm became a gathering place for members of the Ku Klux Klan and other hate groups (see “2001: KKK Gathering Place Established”). The ordinance passed by the St. Joseph County Council bans cross burnings, acts of physical assault, vandalism to property, the use of fire bombs, the desecration of religious symbols, and other hate-related activities. Any violation of the law can result in a fine of $2500.

Reference:
Klan presence leads Indiana community to adopt “hate activity” law. (2003, July 16). Anti-Defamation League. Retrieved May 1, 2006, from http://www.adl.org/learn/news/hate_activity_law.asp