Anti-Gay And Religious-Bias Crimes Up In 2008

Hate crimes based on sexual orientation were up 11%, and those based on religion were up 9% in 2008, according to new FBI statistics.

Half of all hate crimes are motivated by race, according to the FBI. One out of every five is driven by religious bias, and one out of every six is based on sexual orientation bias.

The new statistics come less than a month after President Barack Obama signed a bill expanding those covered by the federal law against hate crimes. Previously, the law had protected those attacked on the basis of race, color, religion, or national origin.

The new law signed by Obama now covers crimes based on gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability. It also removes the restriction that federal authorities can launch investigations of victims who were engaged in federally protected activities like voting or free speech.

By: Alan

Alan Colmes is the publisher of Liberaland.