Bill would expand hate crimes law for gender ID, disability

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Some clergy members, a group that advocates for LGBTQ rights and a group that advocates for rights of people with disabilities are calling on Mississippi legislators to expand the state’s hate-crimes law. They said Monday they want the state law to cover offenses committed because of a victim’s disability, sexual orientation or gender identity — just as federal law already does. The proposed changes are in House Bill 1467. The bill will die if the House Judiciary B Committee doesn’t consider it by a Tuesday deadline. Similar proposals have died at the Mississippi Capitol the past four years.