Feminists Call for Action After Killings of Two Transgender Women

August 20, 2002

by NOW Staff

Activists renewed their longstanding call for comprehensive federal legislation against hate crimes after two transgender teenagers, best friends who were biologically male but dressed and lived as women, were shot and killed early Aug. 12 in Washington, D.C.

Police said that Ukea Davis, 18, and Stephanie Thomas, 19, were each shot at least 10 times and both died at the scene, in the front seat of Thomas' Toyota Camry near Thomas' apartment in southeast Washington, the Washington Post reported.

Police are investigating several possibilities, including that the deaths are a hate crime, said Sgt. Brett Parson, who heads the D.C. police gay and lesbian liaison unit.

NOW President Kim Gandy denounced the killings, saying a comprehensive federal law is needed to prevent hate crimes and protect those who are being targeted. The Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Act (LLEEA) — which has not yet come up for a vote in the Senate — includes language that would allow federal authorities to step in when local authorities fail to act in cases involving victims' "real or perceived gender."

"Hate crimes are a widespread problem in our nation, yet current federal hate crimes law does not cover violent attacks that occur because of a victim's sexual orientation, gender or disability," Gandy said. "How many more people will die before George W. Bush and Congress get the message that we need stronger hate crimes legislation?"

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