Introduction
<P>All violent crimes are reprehensible. But the damage done by hate crimes cannot be measured solely in terms of physical injury or dollars and cents. Hate crimes rend the fabric of our society and fragment communities because they target a whole group and not just the individual victim. Hate crimes are committed to cause fear to a whole community. A violent hate crime is intended to “send a message” that an individual and “their kind” will not be tolerated, many times leaving the victim and others in their group feeling isolated, vulnerable and unprotected.</P>
Read More About Hate Crimes
Matthew Shepard Act
<P>Find out more about The Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act / Matthew Shepard Act </P>
Equality from State to State
<P>Read HRCs report on state constitutional amendments and bills affecting GLBT people</P>
Maps of State Laws and Policies
<P>View maps overviewing the status of laws and policies that affect the GLBT community</P>
Hate Crime Laws in Your State
<P>See if your state addresses hate crimes based on gender identity or sexual orientation</P>
