We, the undersigned, petition Representative Sheila Jackson Lee to modify the terminology of H.R. 90, the David Ray Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2013, to include protection for victims of hate crimes on the basis of gender identity.

Current legislation covers race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender, and disability of the victim, but we believe that the basis of gender identity should also be included. There is a distinct difference between sexual orientation and gender identity and both should be protected to preserve the dignity and worth of these populations.