[MarkL]

Pardon my ignorance, but isn't this libel?

No. No more than someone here calling the ACLU or NAACP a hate group.

Actually, I'm not so sure of that...

Remember, that the term "Hate Group" has specific legal meanings, due to the hate crime legislation that has passed. Now if you or I call the ADL or the NAACP a "hate group," we're (probably) OK. But when a governmental organization makes this statement publicly, using the aegis of a government agency, then it may very well be actionable.

Remember, this twit sent out a press release to local media, from an official agency of the city, declaring that FR is a hate group, using the seal of the City of Fresno!

Mark

[drjimmy]

Remember, that the term "Hate Group" has specific legal meanings, due to the hate crime legislation that has passed.
Can you please tell me what those "specific legal meanings" of hate groups are, or at least direct me to where I can find such information?

Remember, this twit sent out a press release to local media, from an official agency of the city, declaring that FR is a hate group, using the seal of the City of Fresno!
So if President Bush stands on a podium with the seal of the United States in front of him and says that the KKK (or the NAACP, or the Daughters of the American Revolution, or the Democratic Party, or FreeRepublic) is a hate group, they can sue him for libel?