State Laws and Legislation

California Hate Crimes Law

Gender identity protected? Yes

The California hate crimes statute defines "gender" as "the victim's actual sex or the defendant's perception of the victim's sex, and includes the defendant's perception of the victim's identity, appearance, or behavior, whether or not that identity, appearance, or behavior is different from that traditionally associated with the victim’s sex at birth." Cal Pen Code § 422.76 (2001).

Sexual orientation protected? Yes

California hate crimes law directly addresses violence based on sexual orientation. Cal Pen Cod § 422.75 (2001).

Updated: Fri, October 03, 2008 - 12:00:44