Rhode Island Governor Vetoes Addition of 'Gender Identity and Expression' To State Hate Crime Law

Rhode Island Governor Don Carcieri (R) vetoed a bill June 23 that would have expanded the state’s definition of a hate crime and protected Rhode island's trans citizens.

House Bill 7044/Senate Bill 2055 proposed that gender identity or expression be added to Rhode Island’s hate crimes statute. Carcieri vetoed the measure because he said the law already addresses actions "motivated by racial, religious, sexual orientation, gender or disability prejudice."

"The governor has once again shown his disdain for LGBT Rhode Islanders, especially his utter lack of caring about transgender people who face immense harassment and violence based on how they present their gender," said Susan Heroux of Queer Action. "One wonders what the governor would do if one of his grandchildren turns out to be gay or transgender. Would he continue to not care about us?"

The Rhode Island General Assembly could override his veto, but adjourned early this year so that members could begin their fall election campaigns.

Carcieri's is term limited and his term expires in January 2011, so you Rhode Island residents get the opportunity this fall to choose his replacement.