Mississippi Hate Crime Law Could Be Expanded to Include LGBTQ and Disabled Groups
A bill faces a Tuesday deadline in Mississippi's House Judiciary B Committee that would expand the state's hate crime law to include those committed against someone based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability, bringing state law in line with federal law.Mississippi is one of 17 states that does not have a hate crime law that includes sexual orientation or gender identity, according to the Movement Advancement Project, a data-based nonprofit that promotes equality.Advocates for LGBTQ rights and other supporters of the bill held a press conference at the state Capitol urging state lawmakers to pass the bill Monday, according to The Associated Press."When a person is targeted simply by who they are or what abilities they do or don't have, it isn't just a crime against them.
It's a crime against everyone like them," Scott Crawford, who serves on the board of the Mississippi Coalition for Citizens with Disabilities, said Monday according to the AP.
