Hate Crimes Against LGBT-Americans and Jews Rose In California in 2008

[FreeState]

http://lezgetreal.com/?p=22949

In 2008, in the lead up to the Prop 8 ballot fight, hate crimes against gays and lesbians rose significantly. While hate crimes against two specific groups rose significantly, biased motivated crimes over all dropped. Hate crimes rose by two percent in California in 2008 over 2007. Of the increase, the largest was against LGBT-Americans and Jews. Hate crimes against LGBT-Americans rose by twenty-eight percent, and accounted for almost a third of all the crimes.

As a note of caution, hate crimes are not simple categories. A person may fit into multiple categories and the hate crimes may fall into several categories. For instance it is possible for someone to be African-American, gay, and Jewish. Thus, adding up all the numbers from the different categories might result in a number far in excess of the 1,397 reported crimes.

More than half the crimes were committed based upon a person’s race or ethnicity, with the majority of those being against African-Americans.

Of the two categories which saw the biggest rise, hate crimes against Jews rose the most. In 2008, there were 184 threats and assaults against Jews in California, a rise of thirty-seven percent. Crimes against LGBT-Americans rose to 440 crimes.

The rise in hate crimes against these two groups likely has different origins. The rise in crimes against Jews likely has its roots in the economic uncertainty of the last year. While the stereotypes of the wealthy Jewish business mogul are inaccurate, many people tend to believe them. Thus, they tend to blame Jews for the economic problems that they, themselves, are facing.

Hate crimes against LGBT-Americans have more to do with the push for marriage equality rather than economics. When it comes to civil rights pushes, there tends to be a push back irregardless of economic situation. Often times, those perpetrating hate crimes often seek to punish the minority trying to gain equality. This is usually meant to make sure that the group caves in on its demands regarding equality and silently slinks back into the shadows.

All statistics are those released by the office of California Attorney General Jerry Brown.

[Behind the Aegis]

1. No surprises.

I figured hate crimes against the LGBT group would rise due to prop 8. As for the Jews, same as it always has been, and will likely always be.

[FreeState]

2. Unfortunately thats true

I wonder if the financial decline and the stereotypes of Jews and Banks has influenced this a little too.

Last week I was stopped outside of the grocery store by Equality California - they were there warning people of possible violence due in part to Maine's anti-gay marriage prop. When one of these passes the amount of crime directed at GLBT people increases tremendously. Its like the haters are being given permission from the electorate to act out on their hate.

[mamaleah]

3. Most anti-semites do not need reasons. Nor do the homophobes.

They are just hateful.

For those of us who are Jewish, we are well aware we will always be a target. If it's not Israel, or stereotypes, there is always some loser (even on the left!) ready to despise us.

[Behind the Aegis]

4. And let us say...AMEN!

[Starry Messenger]

5. recommend