I just want to know how something like this can escape being defined as a hate crime? It is very obvious that this was more than simple assault that unfortunately ended with murder. If this girl had not been transgendered, then it is pretty much a given that it would not have even happened. How can we live in a country, where you can be killed for a hatred of who you are, and not be punished any differently than any other criminal? This type of crime (hate crime, that is), is one of the most violent types of crime, that is fueled by an intense hatred of who or what someone is. By not labeling this crime as a hate crime, and giving these people, what I consider a minimal sentence for something so horrible, diminishes the crime; and leaves the door open for things like this to happen in the future.
It is obvious that, with good behavior, these boys will not be in prison probably more than 10 years; yet they are going to prison for violently tying up, beating, and strangling a person to death because she was biologically something they were uncomfortable with. Are these the type of people we really want running around? This stuff makes me sick. Those boys, and I mean the ones that actually killed her, should get no less than life in prison for killing this person. Unfortunately, this is only one amongst the many, chilling reminders that not only are we not protected by the law, but we are definitely not safe here in this country. Be it transgendered, or just gay, no crime against any person because of who they are, should ever be tolerated, nor diminished by the courts; especially a crime that was committed based solely on hatred.
My heart goes out to her family. I am deeply sorry they have to go through this.
UPDATE: I just got this from HRC:
The U.S. House of Representatives today passed the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act by an overwhelming 223 to 199 bipartisan vote, taking an historic step toward giving law enforcement the tools they need to enforce and prosecute hate crimes against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans.
A step in the right direction!!!!
3 comments for “Two convicted in transgender killing: but it isn’t a hate crime???”