LGBTQ+ hate crimes

LGBTQ+ hate crimes are criminal acts motivated by bias or prejudice against individuals because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. These crimes can include assault, harassment, vandalism, or other violence aimed at harming or intimidating someone due to their LGBTQ+ status. Such acts are considered especially serious because they targeting a person's core identity, often causing physical and emotional trauma. Laws in many places recognize these crimes separately to address the specific harm caused by bias, emphasizing the importance of protecting LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination and violence rooted in prejudice.