Michigan woman is attacked days after her same-sex marriage was seen on local TV . Michigan is one of 19 states that do not specifically protect LGBT community in hate crime statute . The Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Hate Crimes Prevention Act , making hate crimes a federal offense in an attempt to protect members of the nation 's LGBT community and other groups from bias-motivated violence . Score: 6 Former state legislator : `` There are still glaring gaps in the laws that generally protect people ''
Michigan woman is attacked days after her same-sex marriage was seen on local TV . Michigan is one of 19 states that do not specifically protect LGBT community in hate crime statute . Score: 6 Former state legislator : `` There are still glaring gaps in the laws that generally protect people ''