“I might not even vote for it myself.”
Apparently, the captain’s going down with the ship. As one of the leading proponents of Florida’s Arizona-style immigration bill, state Sen. Mike Bennett admitted his measure probably won’t pass through the Florida Legislature as it stands. Even he saw how the language borrowed from Arizona’s controversial law could cause problems.
Just what constitutes the “reasonable suspicion” a police officer would need to check someone’s immigration status during a routine traffic stop?
Gov. Rick Scott has denied any tie between the measure and discrimination, but it may be an unspoken corollary to the current bill. And while the bill’s sitting pretty in the Florida House, that’s a risk the state Senate may be unwilling to take. We’re glad.
While we understand why voters like the idea of an immigration bill, a mere antidiscrimination clause isn’t going to stop stereotypes from being a factor. Besides, the state does not yet have an accurate way to quickly determine who’s here legally.
Still, Sen. Bennett said the bill is not a complete waste because he’s using it to open a discussion on the issue.
Here’s our contribution to the conversation: When the state has an accurate way to check everyone without a cop making a call based on an accent or skin color, we’ll give our blessing.
