Hate Crimes Testimony: Submitted to the Maryland State Senate on Hate Crimes Bill 539

This document is testimony submitted by NLCHP to the Maryland State Senate on Hate Crimes Bill 539.  This bill would expand Marylands Hate Crime statute to include homeless people as a protected class.

Many cities and communities around the country do not have adequate affordable housing or shelter space to meet the need, forcing many homeless people to live outside. When homeless persons live outside, they become vulnerable to violent attacks.

Expanding the Maryland Hare Crimes statute would bring awareness to the topic, provide protection for homeless victims, and adequately punish those who violently attack homeless persons out of hatred.  It would be a very strong step forward in assuring homeless persons are not preyed upon and killed due to their status.

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