LINKWHERE IT STANDS NOW: Michigan and U.S. laws cover bias attacks based on race, ethnicity, national origin and religion. Of 32 states with laws that cover sexual orientation, 10 include gender identity and expression, according to the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force.
WHAT THE LEGISLATION WOULD DO: Besides expanding the definition of a hate crime, the federal Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act would allow the federal government to help local law enforcement investigate hate crimes. A bill was introduced in the U.S. House this week.
