Triangle Foundation is pleased to report that this afternoon the Michigan House of Representatives passed the Michigan Anti-Bias Crime Statute (MI-ABCs), an important piece of hate crimes legislation that improves upon current Michigan law.

MI-ABCs expands current Michigan hate crimes legislation to include protection against crimes motivated by the victim’s sexual orientation and gender identity or expression, among other classifications.

The 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.  The FBI ranks Michigan third in the nation for the highest number of hate crimes.  With Triangle Foundation reporting a 133% increase in anti-LGBT incidents in 2007, the need for this legislation is imperative to send the message that hate is not a Michigan value.

The bill passed largely along party lines with a vote of 66 to 43, with support from Republican Representatives Larry DeShazor and Tory Rocca.

It doesn’t end at the House passage, though. The bill will now move on to the Senate.  We need you to take action by contacting your State Senator to let them know their constituents support MI-ABCs!  Non-Michigan residents, encouraged by conservative groups, put significant pressure on our Representatives to vote against MI-ABCs.  We are sure that our Senators will be pressured to vote against it, as well. Do not let non-Michigan residents control the outcome of the Senate’s vote!

As a result of Triangle Foundation’s 18 years of direct work with victims of anti-LGBT violence, our organization sees the need for this kind of protection, and we have advocated for hate crimes legislation for over ten years.  This afternoon’s passage is a huge victory for our community and for our state; please help us ensure another victory in the Senate by contacting your Senator today!

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Triangle Foundation’s mission is to promote equality and to secure freedom from violence, intimidation and discrimination for LGBT persons throughout Michigan.