A recent FBI crime report indicates a significant rise in hate crimes targeting the LGBTQ+ community in 2023. According to the annual Crime in the Nation report released on Monday, the FBI documented 2,402 incidents related to sexual orientation last year, compared to 1,947 incidents in 2022.
The report also noted a 3% decrease in violent crime overall, while incidents based on gender identity increased from 307 offenses in 2021 to 515 in 2022, and further to 547 in 2023.
Advocates have expressed concern over these findings, emphasizing the ongoing dangers faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in the country. Brian Bond, CEO of PFLAG National, stated, “Today’s abysmal FBI report highlights that it is still dangerous to be LGBTQ+ in this country,” urging for compassion and action to create safer and more inclusive communities.
Kelley Robinson, president of the Human Rights Campaign, echoed this sentiment, calling for an America where LGBTQ+ individuals can thrive without fear of violence.
In a historic move, the Human Rights Campaign declared a national state of emergency for LGBTQ+ rights, citing the introduction of 530 anti-LGBTQ bills in state legislatures this year, many of which failed to pass.
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