MY TURN | Extend Protections to Transgendered Community
http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2009/feb/06/my-turn-extend-protections-to-transgendered/Sheila Mengert
2/6/09
A recent article in the Sun's Code 911 section reported an alleged hate-crime toward a transsexual person. The resulting commentary at
www.kitsapsun.com explored a variety of views at some length. Since I was involved as the victim I thought it appropriate to respond, and to discuss why our state should include transgender status as a protected class under our state's hate crime statutes.
The public is often misinformed regarding the reasons for hate crime legislation. It is often assumed that hate crimes punish mere thoughts, incivility or other innocuous behavior, or prevent open religious discussion or free speech. This is not the case. Rather, hate crime legislation is meant to address a very real need to protect vulnerable portions of the population from collective affronts to their peace, security and dignity.
