Washington OKs transgender hate-crime protection

[Shana A]

Washington OKs transgender hate-crime protection

By Curt Woodward Associated Press
Apr 9, 2009 - 6:08:43 PM

http://www.dallasvoice.com/artman/publish/article_11051.php

Supporters say change to law is a matter of fairness

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Attacks against transgender people could be prosecuted as hate crimes under a bill approved Wednesday, April 8 by Washington's Legislature.

The state's hate-crime law says it's a felony to threaten, damage the property of, or physically injure someone because of ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender, disability or sexual orientation.

At present, the hate-crime definition of sexual orientation covers gay, straight or bisexual people. The bill approved Wednesday adds "gender expression or identity" to that definition, making the law apply to attacks on transgender people.

[Janet_Girl]

This law will be a boost to Transgender protection as national policy.

Janet

[Butterfly]

Washington State House Passes Transgender Hate Crimes Bill
Pam's House Blend
April 14, 2009


http://www.pamshouseblend.com/diary/10428/washington-state-house-passes-transgender-hate-crimes-bill