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D.C. Councilmember Phil Mendelson (D-At-Large) announced this week plans to hold a hearing next month on hate crimes in the city. (Photo courtesy of Mendelson)
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HOME > NEWS > LOCAL
By: LOU CHIBBARO JR COMMENTS
 
D.C. Councilmember Phil Mendelson (D-At-Large) announced this week plans to hold a hearing Dec. 12 to discuss “hate crimes in the District of Columbia,” with a focus on anti-gay hate crimes.
Mendelson, who serves as chair of the Council’s Committee on Public Safety & the Judiciary, said in a statement that while crime statistics show hate crimes committed against some minorities are declining in Washington, hate crimes against gays make up the “overwhelming majority” of hate related violent incidents in the city.
“Recent incidents have heightened community concern over whether law enforcement is responding effectively to reduce the occurrence of hate crimes,” he said. “The hearing will explore these concerns.”
Gays & Lesbians Opposing Violence has pointed to a number of recent local incidents in which gays and transgender people were assaulted in hate-related incidents.
The organization also has expressed concern that the beating death of gay Marylander Tony Randolph Hunter near a D.C. gay bar in September has elements of an anti-gay hate crime. Police say Hunter’s death stemmed from an “altercation” between Hunter and a man charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection with the case. Police have ruled out anti-gay bias as a motive for the crime.
A spokesperson for Mendelson said anyone interested in testifying at the hearing should contact Victor Bonett, Mendelson’s legislative assistant, at 202-724-4865, or submit a request to testify via e-mail at vbonett@dccouncil.us.
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