Donald Carcieri on Civil Rights Republican RI Governor

No new hate crime laws needed to protect transsexuals

Carcieri vetoed the measure because he said the law already addresses actions "motivated by racial, religious, sexual orientation, gender or disability prejudice." Gay activists encouraged LGBT Rhode Islanders to urge their legislators to override Carcieri's veto: "It's a simple bill but critical for protecting transgender citizens from violence and harassment--protection all Rhode Islanders deserve," said one activist.

The Family Research Council, however, praised Carcieri's actions. Carcieri's veto is just the latest in a series of actions against LGBT rights. Late last year, Carcieri vetoed a bill that would have given funeral rights to the domestic partners of gays and lesbians. Rhode Island lawmakers overrode the veto.