(no subject)
As you may know, Brandon McInerney's case ended today in mistrial.
As you may know, the jury split on the charge, with 7 insisting on "voluntary manslaughter" and only 5 holding out for murder.
As you may know, the juridical definition of voluntary manslaughter is the unlawful taking of a human life in which the offender has no prior intent to kill and acts during the heat of passion or under extreme provocation.
As you may know, on 12 February, 2008 Brandon walked up to his openly queer 15 year old classmate Lawrence Fobes, who was typing an English paper, put a .22 caliber handgun to his head, and pulled the trigger. After Larry dropped to the floor, Brandon stood over him and shot him again.
As you may know, procurement of a firearm is intent.
As you may know, placing it against the soft hair of a child's head and pulling the trigger is intent to kill.
As you may know, merely being Queer cannot possibly meet the definition of "extreme provocation" under the law.
Except, apparently, that it can.
As you may know, a judiciary that allows homophobia to be a legal defense is a weapon as deadly as a gun.
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As you may know, a nation that allows its children to be murdered day in and day out
simply for being different is a nation so vile it should be ashamed to show its face.
As you may know, a nation that is daily training some of its children to murder other of
its children is not a nation.
It is a living hell.