/Sexual orientation, gender identity, disability could be covered by Mississippi hate crime law

Sexual orientation, gender identity, disability could be covered by Mississippi hate crime law

The current Mississippi law allows for the possibility of doubling the penalty if a jury can determine that the crime was committed because of a person’s race, religion, or nationality. The Human Rights Campaign and other groups held a press conference at the Capitol Monday to discuss the need for an increase in the penalty for crimes committed due to a person’s gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability. Scott Crawford, from the Mississippi Coalition for Citizens with Disabilities, stated that when a person is targeted for their identity, it is not just a crime against them, but all of them. Rob Hill, the chair of the state’s Human Rights Campaign, stated that four transgender women were murdered in the state over the last few years. Three of these cases remain open, and one case was brought to trial under federal hate crimes law as it involved multi-state issues. Hill stated that the Mississippi Legislature’s hate crimes laws would be brought in line with federal law by the two bills currently pending. Angela Cockerham (D-Magnolia), Judiciary B Chair, stated that she is not yet certain whether the bill will be brought up for consideration in the House. The Senate refers the bill to Judiciary A as well as Corrections. Briggs Hopson (R-Vicksburg), Judiciary A Chair, stated that he hopes to have the bill passed out of his committee on Tuesday. It is unclear if the bill would pass Corrections. It will not be passed if the bill is not approved by either chamber on Tuesday. Hill stated that a recent poll showed strong bipartisan support across the state for increased penalties for hate crime offences.