Grand Divisions

Tennessee Equality Project seeks to advance and protect the civil rights of our State’s gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons and their families in each Grand Division.

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Richardson introduces gender identity as sentencing enhancement factor for hate crimes

Rep. Jeanne Richardson (D-Memphis) has filed HB 0335, which would add gender identity and expression as a hate crimes sentencing enhancement factor. Tennessee law currently includes sexual orientation. Given the vicious attacks on the transgender community in Memphis last year, this bill is a welcome signal. Although it faces an uphill climb, it should provide the occasion for more statewide discussion of hate crimes against transgender persons.

The Tennessee Transgender Political Coalition is the lead organization in advocating the bill.

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