Re: HB1722... I hope and pray that it is passed into law, in Mass, and every single state in the union. The bill is defining, punitive, and may be a deterrent to some, but, sadly this "protective" bill is not preventive. It is "after the fact". Our community has lost countless lives. We have been viciously brutalized, bullied, had our dignity and peace of mind denied us. I, myself am transgendered, in non-op transition to a feminine gender role at the tender age of 62. I too, fear that it could happen to me. I grieve for all in our community who have suffered indignities, or, worse, paid the ultimate price; their lives. Equally, I am extremely angered that the perpetrators of such heinous crimes against humanity largely go unpunished. As well, I am angry with the justice system who take the sides, not of the victims, but of the perpetrators. The gender variant community needs laws with real teeth in them enacted; not simply as an appeasement, but laws that will be firmly enforced. There's no space for plea bargaining. In my humble opinion, plea deals are just as bad, if not worse than the actual offense! And that's my two cents worth! Rissa Lynn Michaels Milton, Vermont