Barney Frank to Introduce New Hate Crimes Legislation Today
       Massachusetts Congressman Barney Frank will introduce new hate crime legislation today, which will include not only "sexual orientation" but "gender identity" (a separate category from "gender", which is also included) as a protected class. The intent is to add transgendered and/or cross-dressers to the list of federally protected life styles. The press release below can be found on his site HERE

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Kay Gibbs/ Frank 202.225.7054
Sarah Moore/ Shays 202.225.5541

MEDIA ADVISORY

Representatives Barney Frank, John Conyers, Christopher Shays, and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen will announce the introduction of the Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2005 at a press conference tomorrow. The legislation will give federal protection to victims of hate crimes perpetrated on the basis of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, disability or gender identity.

Who: Representative Barney Frank, John Conyers, Christopher Shays and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen

Where: 2226 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, D.C.

When: Thursday, May 26, 2005 at 9:30 AM