JACKSON, Miss — 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.
