Gay Today: World

Missouri: First in 1999 to
Enact Hate Crimes Law

Compiled By GayToday

Jefferson City, Missouri—July 1--Missouri Governor Mel Carnahan has signed into law a hate crimes bill that includes sexual orientation, gender and disability, making the "Show-Me" state the only state this year to take such action.

Missouri's Privacy Rights Education Project (PREP) and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF) hailed the move, but expressed regret that other state legislatures and Congress have yet to act to punish hate crimes against all Americans.

Gov. Mel Carnahan

"Today is a proud day for Missouri," said Jeff Wunrow, PREP's executive director. "Our legislators and our governor have upheld the simple American value that no one should face intimidation, threats, violence, and even death just because of who they are."

PREP worked hard with both legislators and Gov. Carnahan to secure passage of the bill, which adds sexual orientation, gender and disability to the existing hate crimes law.

Through the definition of sexual orientation, the bill also brings transgendered people under the scope of the law, making Missouri the fourth state to do so.

NGLTF Executive Director Kerry Lobel applauded Gov. Carnahan but noted that several states --Alabama, Montana, Texas and Wyoming --failed to pass strong hate crimes laws despite the fact that these states have witnessed some of the most egregious incidents against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered (GLBT) Americans.

"It is unconscionable that so many state legislatures failed to take action to support the most basic expectation of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness," Lobel said.

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State of Missouri

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"The fact that Missouri acted as it did in the face of a powerful and well-funded religious right political movement speaks to the bravery of Gov. Carnahan and the legislators who supported the bill. Other states should take heed."

The bill, SB 328, passed the Senate on April 20 by a vote of 20-14 and passed the House on May 14 by a vote of 85-68. With Governor Mel Carnahan's signature, Missouri becomes the 22nd state to enact a hate crimes law that includes sexual orientation.

This year, 26 states have introduced hate crimes penalty enhancement measures. Legislators in only Missouri and New Mexico approved the measures, but in New Mexico, the bill was vetoed by Gov. Gary Johnson.