The murder and dismemberment of transgender Pauly Likens has prompted a call from Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro to strengthen laws protecting the LGBTQ+ community from hate-based crimes.

In a tweet on the social media platform “X” Shapiro posted that Likens murder must be prosecuted to the “fullest extent of the law.”

“It’s past time to strengthen Pennsylvania’s laws to treat hate-based crimes against LGBTQ+ folks the same way other hate crimes are treated. Send the bill to my desk, and I will sign it,” Shapiro writes.

The Governor’s response follows calls from transgender advocacy groups calling for the murder of Likens to be investigated as a possible hate crime.

Likens was a transgender girl allegedly killed by 29-year-old DaShawn Watkins after meeting him online.

The Federal Hate Crimes Prevention Act gives protection to marginalized groups, including those based on gender identity.

The Pennsylvania Youth Congress is asking investigators to look further into the crime -- and consider pursuing hate crime charges against Watkins.

The Shenango Valley Pride Picnic is organizing a vigil for Pauly at 7 p.m. Saturday at the LGBTQ-I-A Plus Alliance on Stambaugh Avenue.