The Federal Hate Crimes Act and Texas

by: DyspepTex

Wed Oct 28, 2009 at 02:08 PM CDT

Federal Hate Crimes Legislation - A Grim Victory

Today, President Obama signed the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act. It is an important, yet grim, victory for the LGBT and other targeted communities. Among other important steps, the Act marks the first time federal law has referred to "gender identity" in a positive manner and offered transgender persons some form of protection.

It has taken 13 years, untold victims, multiple deaths, and the efforts of survivors, loved ones and activists to get the Hate Crimes Act passed. No one, of course, expects the Act to actually end hate crimes.  However, the hope is that by granting the federal government the jurisdiction and resources to prosecute hate crimes people will become more aware, and educated, about hate crimes--eventually leading to an overall reduction in this, one of the most hideous forms of violence.

More below the fold..

Texas Convention Resolutions

by: DyspepTex

Fri Mar 28, 2008 at 03:45 PM CDT

One, or actually quite a few, of those things are the many worthwhile resolutions to vote for to effect change in the Texas Democratic Party Platform. Which resolutions are up for a vote depends upon two things: 1) which resolutions got introduced and passed at the precinct conventions, and 2) which resolutions the Local Platform and Resolutions Committees decide to pass on for a vote by the delegates.

I'm pushing two resolutions:

Non-Discrimination Resolution: would call on the Democratic party to support legislation to end discrimination based upon sexual orientation, gender identity and expression,
Safe Schools Resolution: calls on the Democratic Party to pass legislation requiring school districts to adopt model policies on bullying and harassment-to prevent some of the terrible tragedies we've been hearing about these days.