ADL Welcomes Hate Crime Charge in Transgender Attack

WASHINGTON, May 17, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) welcomed the addition of hate crime charges against the alleged perpetrator of an attack on a transgendered woman in a Baltimore County McDonalds last month.  A video of the alleged attack, which went viral on the internet after being posted by a McDonald's employee, shows the victim, Chrissy Lee Polis, being repeatedly hit, kicked, and dragged by her hair across the floor.  

"We applaud the hard work and vigilance of law enforcement and prosecutors in this case," said Sophie Dornstreich, ADL Assistant Regional Director. "The addition of a hate crime charge sends a forceful message that assaults against any individual, simply for being who they are, will not be tolerated and that those who commit them will face serious consequences."  

A hate crime charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine, which could be added to the 25-year maximum for the assault that the alleged perpetrator already faces.  The assault occurred exactly one week after the Maryland Senate effectively struck down the Gender Identity Non-Discrimination Bill, HB 235, which would have added greater protections for the transgendered community in housing, banking, and employment.

"Perpetrators of hate crimes send a message to their victims - and everyone else who shares the victim's characteristics - that they are not welcome or safe," Ms. Dornstreich said.  "The Anti-Defamation League wants the transgendered community, and all communities targeted by acts of bias motivated violence and harassment, to know that we will stand with them in the fight against hate crimes."

Hate crime statutes have been adopted by 45 states and the District of Columbia.  Many of those laws are based on a model statute crafted by ADL, which has long been in the forefront of national and state efforts to deter and counteract hate-motivated criminal activity.

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.

SOURCE Anti-Defamation League