Local hate crime bill gets boost by Obama

Metro.us – Tony Lee

President Barack Obama signed legislation yesterday expanding federal hate crimes to include offenses against people based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

It was a mighty swipe of the pen for those in Massachusetts who seek the same protections.

The commonwealth already has hate crime legislation covering crimes and discrimination against gays and lesbians, but the transgender and transsexual population remains “invisible,” said Gunner Scott, director of the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition (MTPC).