ENC secures introduction of hate crime bill in NC Senate

The proposed legislation, Senate Bill 485, Hate Crime/Matthew Shepard, would add age, gender, disability status, and sexual orientation to the list of protected classes in the existing law. Gender identity and expression would be covered by the definition of sexual orientation.

Equality NC has been working closely with Sen. Lucas and other legislators to secure introduction of the bill. Eight other senators co-sponsored the bill, two more than signed onto a similar bill in the 2003 session. (A list of sponsors follows.)

"We thank Sen. Lucas and the co-sponsors for standing up against bias crime in our state," said Ian Palmquist, Executive Director-Programs. "The recent anti-gay attack in Chapel Hill is a sad reminder that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender North Carolinians are not protected from hate crimes by state or federal law.

Equality NC will work to secure a vote on this bill in the coming weeks, as well as to secure introduction of additional proactive legislation.

Palmquist said that anti-LGBT legislation, like the proposed constitutional amendment to deny any kind of relationship recognition to same-sex couples, fosters an environment where hate crimes can happen.

"Hate crimes are not just an attack on an individual, but are intended to terrorize an entire community. The legislature should pass this bill and send a strong message that attacking someone based on their sexual orientation or gender identity is unacceptable."

Sponsors of Senate Bill 485

Jeanne Lucas (D-Durham), Primary Sponsor

Bob Atwater (D-Chatham)
Doug Berger (D-Franklin)
Janet Cowell (D-Wake)
Charlie Dannelly (D-Mecklenburg)
Katie Dorsett (D-Guilford)
Malcolm Graham (D-Mecklenburg)
Ellie Kinnaird (D-Orange)
Vernon Malone (D-Wake)