1. Hate Crimes The dictionary defines a hate crime as "any of various crimes...when motivated by hostility to the victim as a member of a group (as one based on color, creed, gender, or sexual orientation)." …not always a commonly understood meaning. http://www.splcenter.org/ http://www.wiesenthal.com

2. Definition varies… 21 states include mental and physical disability in their lists. 22 states include sexual orientation. Three states and the District of Columbia impose tougher penalties for crimes based on political affiliation." Hate Crimes

3. Current legislation allows… federal prosecution of a hate crime only if the crime was motivated by race, religion, national origin, or color. In addition, the assailant must intend to prevent the victim from exercising a federally protected right. Hate Crimes

4. State Provisions for Hate Crimes AR, CA, DC, FL, ID, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, NV, NM, NY, NC, OK, RI, SC, SD, TN, VA, WV: Religious Worship CA, DC, IA, LA, WV: Political Affiliation CA, DC, FL, IA, HI, KS, LA, ME, MN, NE, NM, NY, VT:Age CA, CO, CT, DC, HI, MD, MN, MO, PA, VT: Transgender AZ, CA, CT, DC, FL, HI, IL, IA, MD, MI, MN, NM, NV, OR, TX, WA: Sexual Orientation AZ, DC, HI, IL, IA, MI, MN, TX, WA: Gender