Note: please note that this issue overview should (a) contain links to the issue briefs on this topic that are focused either the local, state, national, or global level, and (b) be neutrally presented, based on facts, and include footnotes for each of the items.  See the Research Guide and Information Sources to assist you. 

Goal Statement   one sentence that further defines the topic 

• To extend hate crimes laws to include sexual orientation.^[1] 

Policy Options / Program Models   specific policies or program models, grouped by type, that are profiled 

Issue Briefs   issue briefs on this topic at the local, state, national, global level

• Including Sexual Orientation as a Hate Crime-Virginia 

Glossary of Terms   key words or phrases that the layperson needs to know to understand this issue 

• Hate Crime:  a crime in which the defendant intentionally selects a victim, or in the case of a property crime, the property that is hte object of the crime, because of the actual  or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, gender, disability, or sexual orientation of any person. (This definition was originally set forth in the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, and was also adopted by the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009.)