The State of Michigan currently does not consider transphobic and homophobic attacks to be hate crimes. We are asking that the Michigan Legislature pass proposed legislation that will amend the "Ethnic Intimidation" law in Michigan, which currently includes race, religion, gender, and national origin, to include sexual orientation and gender identity. Attacks and threats on the lives of transgender, gay, and bisexual Michigan residents cannot be tolerated and we ask that the Michigan Legislature take this step to protect LGBT individuals living in Michigan.
Why is this important?
Hate crimes against LGBT individuals is a very serious issue. There have been multiple attacks against LGBT individuals in Michigan in 2014, including the shooting of two transgender women in Detroit. Hate crimes are a form of intimidation and bigotry towards all members of a targeted community. We condemn these attacks and ask the Michigan State Legislature to protect LGBT residents.
