Note: A candlelight vigil is being planned in Humboldt Park this Sunday, Nov. 22, from 4-6 p.m. in memory of Jorge Steven Lopez Mercado, a gay teenager who was murdered, decapitated and burned in Cayey, Puerto Rico.
The vigil is planned to begin at California & Division. More details to come.
From an Equality Forum news release, Nov. 17, 2009
On Saturday, November 14, 2009, the body of 19-year-old George Lopez Mercado was found by the side of the road in Cayey, a city near the victim's hometown of Caguas, Puerto Rico.
Lopez Mercado was partially burned, decapitated and with both arms and legs dismembered from his torso.
The police investigator suggested that Lopez Mercado deserved what he got because of the "type of lifestyle" he was leading.
According to Puerto Rican activists, Puerto Rico has never classified the murder of a gay man as a hate crime.
"Equality Forum calls on US Attorney General Eric Holder to have the FBI investigate," stated Malcolm Lazin, Executive Director, Equality Forum. "The Matthew Shepard Amendment empowers and requires the federal government to prosecute this horrific murder."
Lazin served as a federal prosecutor; received the US Attorney General's Distinguished Service Award, the department's highest annual honor; and was the Chair of the Pennsylvania Crime Commission.
The Matthew Shepard Amendment to the federal hate crimes act includes among other protected categories, sexual orientation. President Obama signed the bill into law on October 28, 2009. The federal hate crimes act enables federal agents to investigate hate crimes, especially where there does not appear that a full and fair investigation will be undertaken.
Puerto Rican gay activist Pedro Julio Serrano stated, "It is inconceivable that the investigating officer suggests that the victim deserved his fate, like a woman deserves rape for wearing a short skirt."
"Equality Forum joins Puerto Rican activists in condemning the statements of the investigator and calls on Police Superintendent Figueroa Sancha to terminate the officer," stated Malcolm Lazin. "It is clear that without federal intervention, there can be no fair and complete investigation."
Equality Forum is a national and international GLBT civil rights organization with an educational focus. Equality Forum coordinates GLBT History Month, produces documentary films, undertakes high impact initiatives and presents annually the largest national and international GLBT civil rights forum.
FROM A NOV. 18, 2009, HRC PRESS RELEASE
Human Rights Campaign Condemns Brutal Slaying of Gay Teen in Puerto Rico
"Prejudice and hate are the true motivations," said HRC President Joe Solmonese.
WASHINGTON —The Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, today condemned the brutal murder of Jorge Steven Lopez, 19, in Cayey, Puerto Rico. Lopez's body was discovered on an isolated road, dismembered and burned, last Friday. Late Monday night, police arrested Juan A. Martinez in connection with the crime. Puerto Rican media outlets report Martinez confessed to killing Lopez after discovering his female gender presentation did not match his male sex, and that Martinez plans to use a "gay panic/trans panic" defense in court.
"We are all grieving the loss of Jorge Lopez," said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. "Juan Martinez apparently believes Jorge's sexual orientation and gender expression justify this horrific crime. It's clear, however, that prejudice and hate are the true motivations. HRC stands in solidarity with Jorge Lopez's family and friends, our sister advocacy organizations, and the LGBT community in Puerto Rico and throughout America in calling for a full and thorough investigation of his murder as a hate crime under appropriate Commonwealth and Federal hate crimes laws."
Puerto Rico added sexual orientation to its hate crimes law in 2002. Additionally, the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, signed into law by President Obama last month, added sexual orientation and gender identity to existing federal statutes and could be invoked to provide local authorities with additional resources to investigate and prosecute the case. HRC has been in contact with the Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division since news of Lopez's murder became public.
From a Task Force Press Release: Nov. 17. 2009
Task Force speaks out on brutal killing in Puerto Rico
WASHINGTON, Nov. 17 — The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force condemns the brutal murder of Jorge Steven Lopez, a 19-year-old gay man in Puerto Rico, in a possible hate crime. A suspect has reportedly been arrested.
Statement by Rea Carey, Executive Director
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
"The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force stands in solidarity with the LGBT community in Puerto Rico and sends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Jorge Steven Lopez. We urge local law enforcement authorities to continue their expedient work on this case. Fortunately, Puerto Rico has a local hate crimes statute, but it is imperative that federal authorities continue to monitor this ongoing investigation and step in if necessary or assist if asked, as allowed by the new federal hate crimes law."
Statement by Pedro Julio Serrano, Task Force Communications Manager
Founder, Puerto Rico Para Tod@s
"This is a terrible, terrible crime. While we are pleased that law enforcement has acted promptly in making an arrest, it is vital that the hate crimes angle be investigated. This horrendous killing of a young gay man shows no compassion or respect for the dignity of a human life. As someone who grew up in Puerto Rico and has been very active in its lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community, this is a heart-wrenching moment. Our hearts and sympathies go out to all of Jorge Steven Lopez's loved ones at this difficult time. Justice must prevail."
