In 2001, the Texas Legislature passed the James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Act. Although this bill marked the first time that gays and lesbians were recognized and protected under Texas law, gender identity was not included as a protected class.
Hate violence targeting transgender people remains a regular reality in Texas. Equality Texas supports legislation that extends protection under current hate crime legislation to the transgender community.
Equality Texas will ensure that the James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Act is applied as appropriate and continuously works with state agencies and other organizations to educate people on hate crimes in Texas.
Last updated 05-Jun-2006 @ 9:41 pm
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