Tougher sentences sought in transgender hate crimes

By Benjamin Spillman
LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL
Posted: Mar. 7, 2011 | 4:12 p.m.

http://www.lvrj.com/news/testimony-heard-for-new-bill-that-would-include-gender-identity-in-hate-crime-statutes-117553483.html?ref=483

CARSON CITY -- Violent attacks against transgender people would warrant stronger criminal sentences under a bill facing the Legislature.

Senate Bill 180 by Sen. David Parks, D-Las Vegas, would change state law to add "gender identity or expression" to the list of aggravating factors that can result in longer prison sentences for people convicted of murder and other crimes such as kidnapping, sexual assault, robbery, battery and false imprisonment.

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Measure expands hate crime laws to transgender people

By Michelle Rindels • Associated Press • March 8, 2011

http://www.rgj.com/article/20110308/NEWS11/103080316/1321/NEWS

Crimes against transgender people would merit stronger penalties if a bill to expand Nevada's hate crimes law passes.

State Sen. David Parks, D-Las Vegas, pushed Senate Bill 180 Monday to add crimes based on "gender identity or expression" to existing hate crime legislation, which includes crimes based on sexual orientation.

Reno mother Elvira Diaz gave a tearful testimony saying the bill would help protect people like her 6-year-old child Jessie, who biologically is a girl but prefers to dress like a boy and use the men's restroom.