Letter provided ‘outdated, untrue’ information

I feel that Mr. Charles Derer’s letter on June 8 titled “Hate crimes vs. ordinary crimes” has misinformed some of Sauk Valley’s residents.

Mr. Derer stated that homosexuality is studied as abnormal behavior. It is true that at one time homosexuality was studied as being abnormal. However, in 1973 the American Psychiatric Association decided that this was no longer the case. This decision came after studying homosexuals and finding that they were not abnormal.

In addition, Mr. Derer stated that homosexuals were spreaders of HIV and AIDS. AIDS does not discriminate and is transferred in more ways than intercourse.

Mr. Derer also pointed out that African-Americans are disproportionately represented in the prison system. While this is true, skin color alone is not the reason. There are many factors, one being socioeconomic differences. African-Americans tend to have a lower income and fewer resources to rely on. This makes a difference when an African-American has to stand in front of a judge and cannot afford a lawyer.

I think that perhaps Mr. Derer should do more homework before injecting the readers of this newspaper with outdated and untrue information.