Sponsor decided not to call the bill, citing "unpalatable" changes.

Micah Clark, director of the American Family Association of Indiana, said all crimes should be prosecuted, regardless of whether the victim was chosen for a specific reason. Clark also said sexual orientation and gender identity are different from some other categories included in Porter's bill because they involve a choice.

"I don't think cross-dressers should be mistreated, but I don't think they should get special legal treatment because of the choices they're making," he said. "I've never met a former African-American, but I have met several former homosexuals."

Benge said sexual orientation and gender identity are not choices.

"I always knew that I was different," she said. "By the time I was 6, I was being chided for not being like the other boys."