Join us for a live Q&A on hate crimes and police brutality
The event Friday at noon includes two LGBTQ lawmakers and a longtime LGBTQ advocate.
Our new Q Conversations returns on Friday. Register now and we’ll see you tomorrow!
Protests and marches unfolding across Georgia in recent days have focused attention on the killings of black men and transgender people. The demonstrations have also demanded state lawmakers take action against police brutality and hate crimes.
When they return to the State Capitol on Monday, lawmakers can address both.
House Bill 426 is an LGBTQ-inclusive hate crimes bill that would heighten penalties for crimes committed “because of the individual’s belief or perception” regarding the victim’s sexual orientation, gender, race, color, religion, national origin, mental disability or physical disability. House Bill 636 would require law enforcement agencies to report use of force incidents to a publicly available database.
Both bills were introduced in 2019. H.B. 426 was passed by the House but stalled in the Senate. H.B. 636 – from state Rep. Renitta Shannon, one of the state’s five LGBTQ lawmakers – was ignored by lawmakers.
In the next episode of Q Conversations – our live virtual event series – we’ll dig into the legislation, talk about why they are needed and explore the issues around the bills with Shannon, LGBTQ state Rep. Park Cannon and Eric Paulk, the deputy director of Georgia Equality. We’ll also talk protests, how racial justice is an LGBTQ issue and answer your questions. Join the conversation on Friday, June 12 at noon. (The event is free but registration is required.)
Can’t make the event on Friday? Register and we’ll share a recording of the conversation that you can replay later.
Photo (left to right): Renitta Shannon, Eric Paulk, Park Cannon