Brutal Hate Crime in New Mexico Charged Under Recently Passed Law

by Admin

'A vicious crime that left a gay man seriously injured and his friend fearful of her life has the full power of the law behind it thanks to New Mexico's hate crimes law,' said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese.

WASHINGTON - Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese made the following statement concerning the recent hate crime attack in Santa Fe, N.M., leaving a gay man unconscious and with bleeding of the brain, face lacerations and bruising. A female friend was also allegedly kidnapped during the attack. Three men have been charged with hate crimes under a law passed in 2003.

"A vicious crime that left a gay man seriously injured and his friend fearful of her life has the full power of the law behind it thanks to New Mexico's hate crimes law. Our thoughts are with the victim, his friend and their families, as well as the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community in New Mexico," said Solmonese.

Solmonese added, "Three years ago, the Human Rights Campaign was proud to support the efforts of state leaders and activists as part of New Mexico's Coalition for Equality in fighting for - and winning - this important law. Sadly, too many states leave GLBT Americans unprotected from this senseless violence. It's past time for a federal law that brings uniformity to hate crimes law."

Three men have been charged in the crime. For more information, contact Equality New Mexico, the statewide GLBT group, at 505/224-2766.

The Human Rights Campaign is the largest national gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender political organization with members throughout the country. It effectively lobbies Congress, provides campaign support and educates the public to ensure that GLBT Americans can be open, honest and safe at home, at work and in the community.

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