Perry, however, was forced to make a decision and he signed the bill, despite heavy objection from some conservatives. Perry had little choice because the Senate backed him into a corner - and he either had to sign it or hand the Democrats a campaign issue on a silver platter. It would have been tough for Perry to campaign for the Hispanic and black vote in next year's general election if he vetoed the hate-crimes bill. During an emotional debate in the Senate, it was obvious this bill meant a lot to minorities. The law will strengthen penalties for crimes motivated by hate or prejudice over a victim's race, ancestry, national origin, sexual preference, religion, disability, age or gender.
Many conservatives object to the inclusion of sexual preference in the bill.
But I also believe that as governor . . . I have an obligation to see issues from another person's perspective, to walk in another person's shoes. As presiding officer of the Senate, Bill Ratliff has voted just a few times this session and he could have avoided this contentious issue. Instead, he took a stand and voted in favor of it - a move that could cost him conservative support if he runs for lieutenant governor. Ratliff has defended his position by saying his hate-crimes bill vote was the right thing to do.