State Laws & Policies

All but five states (Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, South Carolina and Wyoming) have laws addressing the scourge of hate crimes, but there is variation in the list of protected classes. The laws that address hate or bias crimes against GLBT people are as follow.

 

Alabama Hate Crimes Law

Gender identity protected? No
No provision of Alabama state law addresses discrimination based on gender identity. 

Sexual orientation protected? No
Alabama state law covers only race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, or physical or mental disability. ALA. CODE § 13A-5-13 (2001).

Last Updated: 2/26/2007

 

Alaska Hate Crimes Law

Gender identity protected? No
No provision of Alaska state law explicitly addresses violence based on gender identity. 

Sexual orientation protected? No
Alaska hate crimes law covers only race, sex, color, creed, physical or mental disability, ancestry or national origin. Alaska Stat. § 12.55.155 (2001).

Last Updated: 3/9/2007

 

Arizona Hate Crimes Law

Gender identity protected? No
The terms "gender" and "disability" are specified in the Arizona Code, which provides that the department of public safety must report and collect data of incidences based on gender and disability. A.R.S. § 41-1750 (2001).

Sexual orientation protected? Yes
Arizona law allows “evidence that the defendant committed the crime out of malice toward a victim because of the victim's identity in a group listed in section 41-1750, subsection A, paragraph 3 or because of the defendant's perception of the victim's identity in a group listed in section 41-1750, subsection A, paragraph 3” to be used as an aggravating factor in sentencing. Ariz. Rev. Stat. §13-701(D(15) (2003). Section 41-1750 lists sexual orientation as a protected group.

Additionally, Arizona law requires that the department of public safety must report and collect data of criminal offenses based on sexual orientation. Sexual orientation is defined only as heterosexual or homosexual. Ariz. Rev. Stat. §13-701(D(15) (2003).

Last Updated: 10/3/2008

 

Arkansas Hate Crimes Law

Gender identity protected? No
Arkansas does not have a hate crimes law.

Sexual orientation protected? No
Arkansas does not have a hate crimes law.

Last Updated: 10/3/2008

 

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

Last Updated: 10/3/2008

 

Colorado Hate Crimes Law

Gender identity protected? Yes
“Transgender status” is included in the definition of sexual orientation and is covered in the state’s bias-motivated crimes law. COLO. REV. STAT. § 18-9-121

Sexual orientation protected? Yes
Sexual orientation is covered in the state’s bias-motivated crimes law. COLO. REV. STAT. § 18-9-121

Last Updated: 10/3/2008

 

Connecticut Hate Crimes Law

Gender identity protected? Yes
As of Oct. 1, 2004, Connecticut's hate crime law will explicitly include gender identity and expression. Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 53a-181j- 53a-181l.

Sexual orientation protected? Yes
Connecticut state law explicitly addresses violence based on actual or perceived sexual orientation. Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 53a - 181j - l.

Last Updated: 3/8/2007

 

D.C. Hate Crimes Law

Gender identity protected? Yes
The District of Columbia hate crimes law explicitly addresses discrimination based on actual or perceived disability and personal appearance. D.C. Code §§ 22-3701 - 3702 and 22-3704 (2001). Personal appearance covers discrimination based on "outward appearance, irrespective of sex, with regard to bodily condition or characteristics, manner or style of dress." D.C. Code § 2-1401.02 (2001).
 
Sexual orientation protected? Yes
The District of Columbia hate crimes law explicitly addresses sexual orientation. D.C. Code §§ 22-3701 - 3702 and 22-3704 (2001).

Last Updated: 3/8/2007

 

Delaware Hate Crimes Law

Gender identity protected? No
No provision of Delaware law explicitly addresses discrimination based on gender identity. However, disability is explicitly addressed. 11 Del. C. § 1304 (2001).

Sexual orientation protected? Yes
Delaware hate crimes law explicitly addresses violence based on sexual orientation. 11 Del. C. § 1304. (2001).

Last Updated: 3/8/2007

 

Florida Hate Crimes Law

Gender identity protected? No

Florida hate crimes law does not explicitly address gender/gender identity-based violence or other similar issues. As yet, no court has ruled as to the applicability of the disablity provision to anti-transgender hate crimes. Fla. Stat. § 775.085 (2001).

Sexual orientation protected? Yes
Florida hate crime law directly addresses sexual orientation. Fla. Stat. § 775.085 (2001).

Last Updated: 3/9/2007

 

Georgia Hate Crimes Law

Gender identity protected? No
No provision of Georgia law explicitly addresses violence based on gender identity. There was a state law that specified, “it is the right of every person to be secure and protected from fear, intimidation, and physical harm caused by the activities of violent groups and individuals." However, this law was struck down by the state Supreme Court in 2004. Botts v. State, 278 Ga. 538 (Ga. 2004).

Sexual orientation protected? No
No provision of Georgia state law explicitly addresses violence based on sexual orientation. There was a state law that specified, “it is the right of every person to be secure and protected from fear, intimidation, and physical harm caused by the activities of violent groups and individuals." However, this law was struck down by the state Supreme Court in 2004. Botts v. State, 278 Ga. 538 (Ga. 2004).

Last Updated: 10/3/2008

 

Hawaii Hate Crimes Law

Gender identity protected? Yes
Hawaii's hate crimes law explicitly addresses gender identity or expression. An Act Relating to Hate Crimes, HRS § 846-51, S.B. 616, 2003 Leg., 22nd Leg. (Haw. 2003). According to the law, "'Gender identity or expression' includes a person's actual or perceived gender, as well as a person's gender identity, gender-related self image, gender-related appearance, or gender-related expression; regardless of whether that gender identity, gender-related self image, gender-related appearance, or gender-related expression is different from that traditionally associated with the person's sex at birth." Also, Hawaii's hate crimes law addresses actual or perceived sexual orientation and disability. Sexual orientation is broadly defined as "having a history of any one or more of these preferences or being identified with any one or more of these preferences." HRS § 846-51 (2001).

Sexual orientation protected? Yes
Hawaii's hate crimes law explicitly addresses sexual orientation. Sexual orientation is defined as heterosexuality, homosexuality or bisexuality and those "having a history of any one or more of these preferences or being identified with any one or more of these preferences." HRS § 846-51 (2001). Other relevant provisions include HRS §§ 706-662; 846-54; and 846-52 (2001), which provide that the department of the attorney general must collect, store, disseminate and analyze hate crimes data from statewide agencies and departments.

Last Updated: 3/9/2007

 

Idaho Hate Crimes Law

Gender identity protected? No

No provision of Idaho law addresses gender identity-based violence. Idaho Code § 18-7902 (2001).
 
Sexual orientation protected? No

Idaho hate crimes law does not explicitly address sexual orientation. The provision extends only to "race, color, religion, ancestry or national origin." Idaho Code § 18-7902 (2001).
 

 

Illinois Hate Crimes Law

Gender identity protected? No
Illinois law explicitly addresses actual or perceived gender under the hate crimes law. As yet, Illinois has not addressed gender identity-based violence under these provisions of the hate crimes law. 720 ILCS 5/12-7.1 (2001).

Sexual orientation protected? Yes
Illinois hate crimes law explicitly addresses actual or perceived sexual orientation. § 720 ILCS 5/12-7.1 (2001).

Last Updated: 3/9/2007

 

Indiana Hate Crimes Law

Gender identity protected? No Law

Indiana "bias crimes" law does not explicitly address gender identity-based violence. The law specifies "disability" as an identified classification, however no court has read anti-transgender violence to be actionable under this provision. Burn Ind. Code Ann. §§ 5-2-5-1; 5-3-5-14.3 (2001).

Sexual orientation protected? No Law

Under current Indiana law, there is no cause of action for victims of hate crimes. Indiana law requires that law enforcement agencies collect information concerning bias crimes for criminal history information purposes. Bias crimes are defined to include sexual orientation-motivated crimes. Burn Ind. Code Ann. §§ 5-2-5-1; 5-3-5-14.3 (2001).

 

Iowa Hate Crimes Law

Gender identity protected? No
Iowa hate crime slaw does not explicitly address gender identity-based violence. The code explicitly addresses sex and disability-motivated violence, however no court has yet interpreted anti-transgender violence to be actionable under this section. Iowa Code § 729A.2 (2002).

Sexual orientation protected? Yes
Iowa hate crime law explicitly addresses sexual orientation-motivated violence. Iowa Code § 729A.1-2 (2002).

Last Updated: 3/10/2007

 

Kansas Hate Crimes Law

Gender identity protected? No

No provision of Kansas hate crime law explicitly addresses gender identity-based violence. K.S.A. Supp. § 21-4716 (2002). The Kansas hate crime statute was amended to include violence on account of "the defendant's belief or perception" of the victim's sexual orientation. As yet, Kansas has not addressed gender identity-based violence under these provisions of the hate crimes law. K.S.A. Supp. 21-4716 (2002)

Sexual orientation protected? Yes

Kansas hate crimes law explicitly addresses sexual orientation. On June 6, 2002, the Kansas hate crimes statute was amended to include violence on account of "the defendant's belief or perception" of the victim's sexual orientation. K.S.A. Supp. 21-4716 (2002)
 

 

Kentucky Hate Crimes Law

Gender identity protected? No
No provision of the hate crimes law explicitly addresses gender identity-based violence. KRS § 532.031 (2001).

Sexual orientation protected? Yes
Kentucky hate crimes law explicitly addresses sexual orientation. KRS § 532.031 (2001).

Last Updated: 3/9/2007

 

Louisiana Hate Crimes Law

Gender identity protected? No
Louisiana hate crimes law includes "actual or perceived" gender and sexual orientation, but as yet, Louisiana has not addressed gender identity-based violence under these provisions of the hate crime law. La. R.S. 14: 107.2 (2002).

Sexual orientation protected? Yes
Louisiana hate crimes law explicitly addresses "actual or perceived" sexual orientation. La. R.S. 14:107.2 (2002). The commission and the Louisiana Commission on Human Rights must also collect, study and report statewide hate crime data, which is reported annually to the governor and members of the Legislature. La. R.S. 15:1204.4 (2002).

Last Updated: 3/12/2007

 

Maine Hate Crimes Law

Gender identity protected? No
Maine's hate crimes law does not explicitly address gender identity-based violence. 17-A M.R.S. § 1151 (2001).

Sexual orientation protected? Yes
Maine's hate crimes law explicitly addresses sexual orientation. 17-A M.R.S. § 1151 (2001).

Last Updated: 3/9/2007

Maryland Hate Crimes Law

Gender identity protected? Yes
Gender identity, included in the definition of sexual orientation, is included in the state’s Hate Crimes Penalties Act. MD. ANN. Code [Crim.Law] §10-301 through 10-306.

Sexual orientation protected? Yes
Sexual orientation is included in the state’s Hate Crimes Penalties Act. MD. ANN. CODE [Crim. Law] §10-301 through 10-306.

Last Updated: 3/9/2007

 

Massachusetts Hate Crimes Law

Gender identity protected? No
Massachusetts hate crime law does not explicitly address gender identity-motivated violence. Mass. Ann. Laws ch. 265, § 39 (2002).

Sexual orientation protected? Yes
Massachusetts hate crimes law explicitly addresses violence based on sexual orientation. Mass. Ann. Laws ch. 265, § 39 (2002). The crime report unit must also collect, summarize and report hate crime data to the attorney general, the joint committees on public safety, criminal justice and the judiciary, and the state Senate and House committees on ways and means. The reports are available on public record. Mass. Ann. Laws ch. 22C, §§ 32-35 (2002).

 

Michigan Hate Crimes Law

Gender identity protected? No
No provision of Michigan hate crime law explicitly addresses gender-motivated violence. MCL § 28.257a (2002); MCL § 750.147b (2002).

Sexual orientation protected? No
Under Michigan law there is no separate cause of action for victims of sexual orientation-motivated hate crimes. Michigan requires that the chief of police of each city, village, county, or township and the sheriff of each county must report information related to crimes motivated by prejudice or bias based on sexual orientation. MCL § 28.257a (2002). The ethnic intimidation penalty enhancement law extends to "race, color, religion, gender or national origin." MCL § 750.147b (2002).

 

Minnesota Hate Crimes Law

Gender identity protected? Yes
The state hate crime laws use the definition of sexual orientation that is included in the state anti-discrimination law, which is defined to include transgender individuals. MINN STAT. §363A.03 (44).Definition of sexual orientation. MINN STAT. §609.2231(4); §609.595(1a); §609.748; §611A.79.
 
Sexual orientation protected? Yes
Minnesota hate crime laws include  actual or perceived sexual orientation. MINN STAT. §363A.03 (44). Definition of sexual orientation: MINN STAT. §609.2231(4); §609.595(1a); §609.748; §611A.79.

Last Updated: 3/13/2007
 

 

Mississippi Hate Crimes Law

Gender identity protected? No
Mississippi hate crime law includes "actual or perceived" gender. As yet, no court has read anti-transgender violence to be actionable under this provision. Miss Code Ann §§ 99-19-301; 99-19-303; 99-19-305; 99-19-307 (2001).

Sexual orientation protected? No
Mississippi hate crimes law addresses "actual and perceived" gender, but not sexual orientation. As yet, no court has read sexual orientation-motivated violence to be actionable under this provision. Miss Code Ann §§ 99-19-301; 99-19-303; 99-19-305; 99-19-307 (2001).

Last Updated: 10/3/2008

 

Missouri Hate Crimes Law

Gender identity protected? Yes
Missouri hate crimes law explicitly addresses gender identity within the definition of sexual orientation, which includes: "having a self-image or identity not traditionally associated with one's gender." Mo. Rev. Stat. 557.035.

Sexual orientation protected? Yes
Missouri hate crimes law explicitly addresses sexual orientation. Sexual orientation is defined as "male or female heterosexuality, homosexuality or bisexuality by inclination, practice, identity or expression." Mo. Rev. Stat. 557.035.

Last Updated: 10/3/2008

 

Montana Hate Crimes Law

Gender identity protected? No
Montana hate crime law does not explicitly address gender-motivated violence. The law extends to categories of "race, creed, religion, color, national origin, or involvement in civil rights or human rights activities." Mont. Code Anno. § 45-5-221 -222 (2001).

Sexual orientation protected? No
Montana hate crimes law does not explicitly address sexual orientation-motivated violence. The law extends to categories of "race, creed, religion, color, national origin, or involvement in civil rights or human rights activities." Mont. Code Anno. § 45-5-221 -222 (2001)

Last Updated: 3/14/2007

 

Nebraska Hate Crimes Law

Gender identity protected? No
Nebraska hate crimes law does not explicitly address gender identity-motivated violence. R.R.S. Neb. § 28-111 (2002). The hate crime law extends to categories of “race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age or disability.” As yet Nevada has not addressed gender identity-based violence under these provisions of the hate crimes law.

Sexual orientation protected? Yes 
Nebraska hate crimes law explicitly addresses sexual orientation. R.R.S. Neb. § 28-111 (2002). A hate crime victim may bring a civil action for equitable relief, general and special damages, reasonable attorney's fees and costs. R.R.S. Neb. § 28-113 (2002).

Last Updated: 3/19/2008

 

Nevada Hate Crimes Law

Gender identity protected? No
Nevada hate crime law includes "actual or perceived" sexual orientation. As yet Nevada has not addressed gender identity-based violence under these provisions of the hate crime law. Nev. Rev. Stat. Ann. 41.690 (2001).

Sexual orientation protected? Yes
Nevada hate crime law explicitly addresses "actual or perceived" sexual orientation. Nev. Rev. Stat. Ann. 41.690 (2001).

Last Updated: 3/15/2007

 

New Hampshire Hate Crimes Law

Gender identity protected? No
New Hampshire hate crime law does not explicitly address bias based on gender identity.

Sexual orientation protected? Yes
New Hampshire hate crimes law explicitly addresses sexual orientation. Sexual orientation is defined as "having or being perceived as having an orientation for heterosexuality, bisexuality or homosexuality." R.S.A. §§ 651:6 (2002); 21:49 (2002).

Last Updated: 3/16/2007

 

New Jersey Hate Crimes Law

Gender identity protected? Yes
New Jersey hate crime law explicitly addresses gender identity. N.J. Stat. § 2C:16-1 (2002).

Sexual orientation protected? Yes
New Jersey hate crime law explicitly addresses sexual orientation. N.J. Stat. § 2C:16-1 (2002).

Last Updated: 10/3/2008

 

New Mexico Hate Crimes Law

Gender identity protected? Yes
Effective July 1, 2003, New Mexico outlaws hate crimes committed because of the victim's actual or perceived race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation or gender identity. An Act Related to Criminal Sentencing, N.M. Comm. Subst./S.B. 38/249 (April 8, 2003). "Gender identity" is defined to mean "a person's self-perception, or perception of that person by another, of the person's identity as a male or female based upon the person's appearance, behavior or physical characteristics that are in accord or opposed to the person's physical anatomy, chromosomal sex or sex at birth." Upon sentencing for a crime committed because of "bias or prejudice," a first-time offender could get a year, and a repeat offender an extra two years, added to his or her prison sentence.

Sexual orientation protected? Yes
Effective July 1, 2003, New Mexico outlaws hate crimes committed because of the victim's actual or perceived race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation or gender identity. An Act Related to Criminal Sentencing, N.M. Comm. Subst./S.B. 38/249 (April 8, 2003). "Sexual orientation" is defined to mean heterosexuality, homosexuality or bisexuality, whether actual or perceived. Upon sentencing for a crime committed because of "bias or prejudice," a first-time offender could get a year, and a repeat offender an extra two years, added to his or her prison sentence.

Last Updated: 3/20/2007

 

New York Hate Crimes Law

Gender identity protected? No
New York hate crimes law explicitly addresses violence motivated by the "belief or perception" of the victim's sexual orientation. NY CLS Penal §§ 485.00-05 (2002); § 240.30-31 (2002); and NY CLS CPL §200.50 (2002). See People v. Diaz, 727 N.Y.S.2d 298 (N.Y. Sup. Ct. 2001). As yet, New York has not addressed gender identity-based violence under this provision of the hate crimes law.

Sexual orientation protected? Yes
New York hate crimes law explicitly addresses sexual orientation. Applicable statutes include NY CLS Penal §§ 485.00-05 (2002); § 240.30-31 (2002); and NY CLS CPL §200.50 (2002).

 

North Dakota Hate Crimes Law

Gender identity protected? No
No provision of North Dakota explicitly addresses gender identity-motivated violence.

Sexual orientation protected? No
No provision of North Dakota explicitly addresses sexual orientation-motivated violence.

Last Updated: 3/15/2007

 

Ohio Hate Crimes Law

Gender identity protected? No
Gender identity-motivated violence is not addressed under Ohio hate crimes law. Ohio hate crimes law addresses crimes motivated by race, color, religion, or national origin. ORC Ann. § 2927.12 (Anderson 2002).

Sexual orientation protected? No
Sexual orientation-motivated crimes are not addressed under Ohio hate crimes law. Ohio hate crimes law addresses crimes motivated by race, color, religion, or national origin. ORC Ann. § 2927.12 (Anderson

Last Updated: 3/19/2007
 

 

Oklahoma Hate Crimes Law

Gender identity protected? No
Oklahoma law does not explicitly address gender identity-based violence. Oklahoma law addresses intentional intimidation motivated by "race, color, religion, gender, handicap, familial status, or national origin," which qualifies as a misdemeanor. 25 Okla. St. § 1506.9 (2002).

Sexual orientation protected? No
Oklahoma law addresses intentional intimidation motivated by "race, color, religion, gender, handicap, familial status, or national origin," which qualifies as a misdemeanor. 25 Okla. St. § 1506.9 (2002).

Last Updated: 3/16/2007

 

Oregon Hate Crimes Law

Gender identity protected? Yes
Oregon law recognizes hate crimes motivated by the victim's gender identity. Oregon Equality Act, Public Law Number 100 (2007) (defining sexual orientation to include gender identity and amending O.R.S. § 166.155 and § 166.165

Sexual orientation protected? Yes
Oregon law recognizes hate crimes motivated by the victim's race, color, religion, national origin and sexual orientation, and contains a reporting requirement. ORS § 166.165 (2001); ORS § 181.550 (2001).

Last Updated: 10/3/2008

 

Pennsylvania Hate Crimes Law

Gender identity protected? No
In 2008, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court struck down amendments in 2002 to Pennsylvania hate crimes law that added gender identity and other categories.

Sexual orientation protected? No
In 2008, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court struck down amendments in 2002 to Pennsylvania hate crimes law that added sexual orientation and other categories.

Last Updated: 10/3/2008

 

Rhode Island Hate Crimes Law

Gender identity protected? No
No provision of Rhode Island law explicitly addresses violence based on gender identity.

Sexual orientation protected? Yes
Rhode Island hate crime law explicitly addresses violence based on sexual orientation. R.I. Gen. Laws § 12-19-38 (2001).

Last Updated: 3/23/2007

 

South Carolina Hate Crimes Law

Gender identity protected? No Law
South Carolina does not have a hate crimes law. 

Sexual orientation protected? No Law
South Carolina does not have a hate crimes law.

Last Updated: 3/26/2007

 

South Dakota Hate Crimes Law

Gender identity protected? No
South Dakota's hate crimes law does not expressly include gender identity. S.D. Codified Laws § 22-19B-1 (2002).

Sexual orientation protected? No
South Dakota's hate crimes law does not expressly include sexual orientation. S.D. Codified Laws § 22-19B-1 (2002).

Last Updated: 3/26/2007

 

Tennessee Hate Crimes Law

Gender identity protected? No
Tennessee's hate crimes law does not expressly include gender identity. Disability and gender are explicitly addressed in Tennessee's hate crimes law, but it is unclear whether these provisions could be used to prosecute violence motivated by the victim's gender identity. Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-35-114 (2001).

Sexual orientation protected? Yes
Tennessee's hate crimes law explicitly includes sexual orientation. Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-35-114 (2001).

Last Updated: 3/27/2007

 

Texas Hate Crimes Law

Gender identity protected? No
No provision of Texas law explicitly addresses information based on gender identity; however, disability and gender are explicitly addressed, but have not yet been used to provide a cause of action for violence motivated by the victim's gender identity. Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 42.014 (2002); Tex. Penal Code § 12.47 (2002).

Sexual orientation protected? Yes
Texas hate crimes law explicitly includes "sexual preference." Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 42.014 (2002); Tex. Penal Code § 12.47 (2002).

Last Updated: 3/27/2007

 

Utah Hate Crimes Law

Gender identity protected? No
Utah's hate crimes law does not explicitly address gender identity. Utah law ties penalties for hate crimes to violations of a victim's civil or constitutional rights. Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-203.3 (2002).

Sexual orientation protected? No
Utah's hate crimes law does not explicitly address sexual orientation. Utah law ties penalties for hate crimes to violations of a victim's civil or constitutional rights. Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-203.3 (2002).

Last Updated: 3/27/2007

 

Vermont Hate Crimes Law

Gender identity protected? Yes
Vermont law recognizes hate crimes based on gender identity. 13 V.S.A. § 1455 (2001).

Sexual orientation protected? Yes
Vermont law recognizes hate crimes based on sexual orientation. 13 V.S.A. § 1455 (2001).

Last Updated: 3/14/2007
 

Virginia Hate Crimes Law

Gender identity protected? No
No provision of Virginia's hate crimes law explicitly recognizes violence based on gender identity. Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-57 (2002).

Sexual orientation protected? No
No provision of Virginia's hate crime law recognizes violence against individuals because of their sexual orientation. Race, religion, conviction, color and national origin are the categories explicitly recognized under Virginia's hate crimes law. Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-57 (2002).

Last Updated: 3/14/2007

 

Washington Hate Crimes Law

Gender identity protected? Yes
Washington law criminalizes "malicious harassment" and violence against individuals because of their gender identity or expression (included in the definition of sexual orientation). Rev. Code Wash. (ARCW) § 9A.36.080 (as amended, 2009).

Sexual orientation protected? Yes
Washington law criminalizes "malicious harassment" and violence against individuals because of their sexual orientation. Rev. Code Wash. (ARCW) § 9A.36.080 (1993).

Last Updated: 6/1/2009

 

West Virginia Hate Crimes Law

Gender identity protected? No
No provision of West Virginia state law explicitly addresses discrimination based on gender identity. Categories that are given explicit mention in the hate crimes law include: race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, political affiliation and sex. W.Va. Code § 61-6-21 (2001).

Sexual orientation protected? No
No provision of the West Virginia hate crimes statute explicitly addresses violence based on sexual orientation. Categories that are given explicit mention in the hate crimes law include: race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, political affiliation and sex. W.Va. Code § 61-6-21 (2001).

Last Updated: 3/14/2007
 

Wisconsin Hate Crimes Law

Gender identity protected? No
No provision of Wisconsin law explicitly addresses violence based on gender identity.

Sexual orientation protected? Yes

Wisconsin hate crimes law explicitly addresses violence based on sexual orientation. Wis. Stat. §939.645 (2002).

Last Updated: 3/14/2007

 

Wyoming Hate Crimes Law

Gender identity protected? No law
Wyoming does not have a hate crimes law.

Sexual orientation protected? No law
Wyoming does not have a hate crimes law.

Last Updated: 3/27/2007