Hi… My name is M'Lynn Hartwell. I am here tonight as a Board member of the Triangle Foundation, the Board of GLSEN (a national organization for educators K-12), and a member of the Wellness Networks Board of Trustees.

Most importantly I am speaking to you as a concerned parent, and a citizen living in Traverse City.

Somehow I feel that it is a cruel irony, that on the very same Saturday night Charley Smith was being chased by several thugs with a baseball bat, I was in a downstate, (near a city well known for it's crime), telling my stories of Traverse City — my home — a place where I have always felt that I could safely walk any street — any time of the day or night.

In a report released by The Human Rights Campaign today, for the eighth consecutive year, hate crimes based on sexual orientation have continued to rise. Reported hate crime incidents based on sexual orientation have more than tripled since the FBI began collecting statistics in 1991; comprising 16.7 percent of all hate crimes for 1999! Hate crimes based on sexual orientation continue to make up the third highest category after race (54.5 percent) and religion (17.9 percent).

According to a study funded by the Bureau of Justice Statistics, 85 percent of law enforcement officials recently surveyed recognized that bias motivated violence is far more serious — than similar crimes not motivated by bias.

Just over a week ago about 100 people came together to support the victims of the recent violent incidents in Traverse City. These wonderful people showed the true solidarity and strength that exists within our community. These good people have demonstrated that Traverse City will immediately respond to hateful, dangerous acts that threaten the fabric of our community and endanger our neighbors, friends and family members.

I could not attend the gathering a week ago, but I can be here tonight.

As a parent, a teacher, a business owner — these thugs took something away from me on September 30th., that was very near and dear to my heart — my personal sense of peace and safety in this community.

But you know what?!

My personal peace is NOT theirs to have.

"Our" sense of community safety is NOT theirs to take away!

I appreciate the fact that Traverse City is blessed to have a police department led by a man who is tirelessly dedicated to justice and peace — (thank you Chief Soffredine).

I am grateful for community organizations such as Hate Free TC . . .

. . .the Traverse City Campaign Against Discrimination,

. . . our Human Rights Commission,

. . . the men and women sitting on this commission tonight,

and all of the other community organizations and individuals who stand up for peace, tolerance, understanding — and respect diversity — in the Grand Traverse Area.

Respect for Diversity is a very important consideration in our region.

It has been reported that the Lesbian and Gay community numbers over 7,200 people in Grand Traverse County alone, clearly representing the largest minority group in northern Michigan.

In Traverse City Michigan we are not alone in combating bias motivated crime. Other communities have led the way by passing local anti-discrimination laws, including:

Detroit, Ann Arbor, East Lansing, Saginaw, Ypsilanti, Oak Park, Birmingham, Grand Rapids, Douglas, Flint and Grand Ledge

At the State Level, our Michigan Legislature is currently considering, HB 4412 which would amend the State Ethnic Intimidation Act of 1988 to include the term "sexual orientation." This bill currently resides in Committee, which is chaired by Republican Mike Bishop.

At a Federal Level, The Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Act of 2000 (H.R. 1082/ S. 622), (formerly the Hate Crime Prevention Act), passed the U.S. House on June 20, 2000. The Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Act would extend basic hate crime protections to all Americans by adding real or perceived sexual orientation, gender and disability to the categories covered. It would also provide the necessary backstop to state and local enforcement by permitting federal authorities to provide assistance in these investigations, and by allowing federal prosecutions when necessary to achieve a just result.

We must give law enforcement the tools they need to combat this kind of violence and to help ensure that every American can live in an environment free of the terror brought on by hate violence.

FBI Crime Reports | Traverse City Hate Crimes Resolution