Former Georgia Gov. Barnes Discusses Police Violence, Racism, Hate Crime Legislation
HB 426 has passed the state House of Representatives and is pending in the Georgia Senate. Former Georgia Gov. Roy Barnes joins “Closer Look” to discuss myriad issues, including the pending hate crime legislation.
COURTESY OF GOV. ROY BARNES
Former Georgia Gov. Roy Barnes says it’s time for a change.
“There is a more-than-ever need for unity and for leaders to stand up and to speak for unity, and to also speak for some changes that need to occur,” said Barnes, who served as Georgia’s 80th governor from 1999 to 2003.
“We are one people. We are different complexions, we have different beliefs, we have different religions, but we are one people.”
On Thursday’s edition of “Closer Look,” Barnes told host Rose Scott that it’s time to have an honest conversation about race and racism.
“A lot of people don’t think they are prejudiced and don’t think that they have a racist bone in their body, but that’s not true. There are things that need to be discussed,” Barnes said.
During the conversation, Barnes reflected on myriad topics, including police violence; Georgia’s stand-your-ground law; SB 166, which was unveiled by Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan earlier this week, and HB 426, also known as the Hate Crimes Act.
Barnes, who recently wrote a letter urging lawmakers to pass HB 426, says he’s optimistic that lawmakers will vote in favor of change.
“I hope that 426 is just the beginning of further discussions on how we can implement what we were promised in the Declaration of Independence; that is that all men and women are created equal.”
Guest:
Former Georgia Gov. Roy Barnes
To listen to the full conversation, please click the audio player above.
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