Hate crimes

Hate crimes, also known as bias-motivated crimes, are criminal acts that occur due to prejudice against a particular group of people. Hate crimes can range from verbal abuse and threats to physical violence. They may be motivated by race, religion, gender identity or sexual orientation. In most countries, hate crime legislation exists which increases the penalties for criminals convicted of targeting victims because of their membership in certain groups.

In the United States, hate crime laws were enacted as part of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr., Hate Crimes Prevention Act in 2009 after years of lobbying by civil rights organizations such as The Anti Defamation League (ADL). This act expanded existing federal law enforcement’s ability to investigate and prosecute hate-crime cases involving individuals who targeted victims based on race; color; national origin; religion; disability status; gender identity or expression; or actual or perceived sexual orientation. It also gave states authority to pursue such cases if they had not already passed similar legislation at a state level before October 28th 2009 when it was signed into law by President Obama .
As well passing this landmark bill ,the US has taken steps towards protecting vulnerable minority populations with over 40 states having some form of legal protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation while 20 provide protections related specifically to transgender citizens . However despite these measures many still feel more needs done within society itself both legally & culturally in order tackle issues surrounding intolerance & bigotry .The FBI’s annual report on “hate crime statistics” provides data about incidents reported throughout the year but critics suggest this does not give an accurate representation given under reporting is common issue faced especially amongst marginalized communities fearful about coming forward out fear being victimised further .A 2016 study conducted by California State University found that LGBT+ persons aged 18–44 experienced disproportionately higher levels than other demographic groups with 1/3 saying they had been threatened/physically assaulted due partly attributed too weak political will among lawmakers address underlying social prejudices leading marginalization these communities face daily basis

Overall there remains much work needed tackling hatred all forms whether through legislative reform greater awareness initiatives improve understanding between different cultures create safe environment everyone regardless background ethnicity etc