LANSING – Currently, Michiganders are protected against hate crimes if they are threats or violence based on race, color, religion or gender. However, LGBTQ Michiganders are not protected. State Sen. Adam Hollier, D-Detroit, says that needs to change and protections for victims of crimes based on sexual orientation and gender identity need to be included.

“Because terrorism is all about intent — intent to encourage people not to do something, to incite fear,” Hollier said in a Michigan Public Radio Network report.

Currently, Michigan Republicans have not taken a public stance on the issue. According to the report, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s “press secretary says she has not read the bill but favors adding LGBT to Michigan’s hate crime protections.”