Bill would make hangman's noose display a felony

RALEIGH -- State lawmakers are considering legislation that would make it illegal to hang a noose or burn a cross while trying to intimidate someone. The bill's sponsor, Sen. Doug Berger, said recent high-profile reports of such displays both in and outside North Carolina convinced him to introduce the legislation. The bill would make the display of a noose or burning cross a low-grade felony punishable by up to around two years in prison. But the display must be designed to intimidate someone who is of another race, color, creed, nationality or country of origin. Berger said the bill contains the specific criteria to avoid infringing on an individual's First Amendment rights. It's already a misdemeanor to engage in ethnic intimidation in North Carolina. (Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)