S.B. 141                                                   VETOES

SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act is an emergency
measure, is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public health and safety, has
been passed by a yea and nay vote supported by three-fifths of all the members elected to
each of the two Houses of the General Assembly, and shall take effect from the date it is
enacted.

May 26, 1994

The Honorable Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr.

President of the Senate

State House

Annapolis, Maryland 21401

Dear Mr. President:

In accordance with Article II, Section 17 of the Maryland Constitution, I have today
vetoed Senate Bill 141.

This bill would repeal an unconstitutional criminal provision concerning burning of
crosses and religious symbols and adds burning and attempting to burn to the prohibitions
applicable to religious and ethnic crimes.

House Bill 347, which was passed by the General Assembly and signed by me on May 26,
1994, accomplishes the same purpose. Therefore, it is not necessary for me to sign Senate
Bill 141.

Sincerely,

William Donald Schaefer

Governor

Senate Bill No. 141

AN ACT concerning

Crimes and Punishments - Threats and Intimidation Burning on Property

FOR the purpose of repealing certain provisions of law adjudged to be unconstitutional
relating to cross burning; prohibiting certain conduct that intimidates or threatens
others, by placing or displaying a sign, mark, symbol, emblem, or other object,
including a burning cross, on public or private property without authorization of the
owner; and generally relating to prohibiting intimidating or threatening conduct
repealing an unconstitutional provision of law concerning burning of crosses and
religious symbols; prohibiting the burning or attempted burning of objects on the
property of persons and institutions under certain circumstances; providing the
State Fire Marshal and certain assistants with arrest power for certain types of hate
crimes; and generally relating to burning of objects on certain properties.

BY repealing

Article 27 - Crimes and Punishments
Section 10

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