Community Gathers for Historic Hate Crimes Signing

Today President Obama signed into law the first federal  law protecting transgender people in US history:  The Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act.

In attendance for the White House signing celebration was a gathering of leading national LGBT rights leaders including Ingersoll Gender Center's own founder and co-President, Marsha Botzer. 

"This is truly a great moment for our community.  Through perseverance and unfailing teamwork and solidarity with the full LGBT community and with communities of color, through the legislative process and with a supportive administration, we have made great strides toward justice. " stated Marsha following the signing ceremony.  "Legislation does not in itself bring about justice or the lessening of hate but it sends important signals to everyone that violence against our community cannot be tolerated and puts vital tools in the hands of law enforcement."

Just weeks from the annual observation of the Transgender Day of Remembrance we have received official recognition of the fact that violence against transgender people due to their gender identity and expression constitutes a hate crime. 

In televised statements following the signing, President Obama made clear the importance and symbolic significance of adding sexual orientation and gender identity to national Hate Crimes protection:

"You understood that we must stand against crimes that are meant not only to break bones, but to break spirits -- not only to inflict harm, but to instill fear.  You understand that the rights afforded every citizen under our Constitution mean nothing if we do not protect those rights -- both from unjust laws and violent acts.  And you understand how necessary this law continues to be." - President Obama

We at Ingersoll Gender Center congratulate and thank all of the hard working activists and supportive legislators for this important step forward for justice and equality.

Now onward to ENDA!