PFLAG Supports the Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2005

PFLAG Supports the Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2005

Washington, D.C. - May 26, 2005 - Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) congratulates and thanks Representatives Barney Frank, IIeana Ros-Lehtinen, John Conyers, Christopher Shays, and Tammy Baldwin who will today introduce a transgender inclusive hate crimes bill in the House of Representatives.

The Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2005 will strengthen existing federal hate crime laws by allowing the Department of Justice to assist local prosecutions, investigate and prosecute cases in which violence occurs because of the victim’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Federal prosecution is already in place for crimes motivated by race, color, national origin and religion; PFLAG is pleased that the often violent crimes perpetrated against GLBT persons will finally be given the weight of federal prosecution.

"As a parent, I am painfully aware that our children could be targets of hate violence at any time just because of who they are," said Sam Thoron, PFLAG’s National President. "Many of us have already faced the murders of, or assaults on, our children and loved ones. Our families and friends don’t deserve these attacks - no one does."

According to the latest statistics from the Anti-Violence Project (APV), hate crime incidents rose an average of 11% in 2004. APV’s 2004 report states, "Notable trends in the incident data collected for 2004 included significant increases since last year in assaults with weapons (14%), harassment (13%), vandalism (50%) and arson (200%)."

"Clearly, there is an undeniable and compelling need to pass legislation to protect our family members and friends," said PFLAG’s executive director Jody Huckaby. "PFLAG is tremendously grateful to the members of Congress who support this vital bill."

PFLAG parents have been strong advocates for transgender inclusion in hate crimes legislation. In 2002, PFLAG’s board passed a resolution stating, "PFLAG can only support legislation that provides explicit inclusion of all who are included in our mission statement."

http://www.pflag.org/index.php?id=408