ID Theft

Should sexual orientation or gender identity crimes be included in the Ethnic Intimidation Act ?

Senator Hansen Clarke,(D-Detroit), plans to introduce legislation that would amend the Ethnic Intimidation Act to also include crimes motivated by a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. The amendment would increase the punishment for crimes deemed “hate crimes,” adding extra protection to Michigan’s gay and transgender community and deterring such crimes from ever happening in the first place. Andrew Anthos,a 72 year-old gay man died on Feb. 23 as a result of injuries sustained in an anti-gay assault on Feb. 13. He was assaulted by a man who followed him off his bus after asking if he was gay; the assailant struck Anthos from behind with a lead pipe. Anthos was best known for his more than 20-year effort to light the dome of the State Capitol red, white, and blue one night per year in honor of U.S. veterans. Representative Mark Larsen explained . "Just like ethnic intimidation, the motive in this case was to create fear and intimidation within a specific community.

Public Comments

1. Yes,because there are medical facts showing that it has to do with chromosones.If you'd like,I can find a source.
2. Yes. Absolutely, yes. Nobody should have to live in fear because of who they are.
3. pity i wasnt behind the anti gay or he would have a pipe inserted in his a-s-s
4. Why is killing a gay person a greater crime than killing anyone else? Are straight people's lives worth less than gay's?
5. My wife left me for another woman, that's why we need these laws.
6. Anytime a group of people are targeted for harassment because of who they are it is a hate crime-- racial, sexual identity, handicap, age, color, religion, etc. It is unacceptable. it is great that the Rep Larsen understands this.