Detroit, MI -- Friday, November 14, 2008 -- This morning Triangle Foundation Director of Victim Services, Melissa Pope, testified before the Michigan House Judiciary Committee to advocate for passage of the Michigan Anti-Bias Crime Statute (HB 6340 and 6341).

We are thrilled to report that this evening, the Michigan House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed this hate crimes legislation!

As a result of Triangle Foundation's 17 years of direct work with victims of anti-LGBT violence, our organization has seen the need for these kinds of protections, and we have advocated for hate crimes legislation for over ten years. This evening's passage is a huge victory for our community and for our state!

This legislation enables law enforcement and the judicial system to appropriately charge and prosecute offenders when their actions are aimed at creating a climate of fear and intolerance. Michigan ranks third in the nation for the highest number of hate crimes. With Triangle Foundation reporting a 133% increase in anti-LGBT crime in 2007, the need for this legislation is imperative to send the message that hate is not a Michigan value.

We thank our partners who joined with us to make this victory possible including the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, the ACLU of Michigan, and Michigan Equality.

Please help support our work as we support victims of anti-LGBT violence and work for policy change in Lansing by making a donation today.

Triangle Foundation is dedicated to promoting equality and securing freedom from violence, intimidation, and discrimination for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons throughout Michigan.