Forum Held On Hate Crimes Law

Oklahoma's hate crime laws are under the microscope as part of a forum designed to empower Tulsans to make change.  News On 6 anchor Jennifer Loren reports several community organizations sponsored a forum in response to a recent crime some say should be considered a hate crime, but according to Oklahoma law, it isn't.

Robert Stotler and his partner were shocked to find out anti-gay graffiti painted on their home is considered just that: graffiti.  They believe it should be considered a hate crime.

But, in Oklahoma, hate crime laws do not protect people who are targeted because of their sexual orientation.

"I guess in Oklahoma, it's going to take me being killed, or my partner being killed in this yard, to get some protection," said Robert Stotler.

According to Oklahoma law, hate crimes are crimes against people because of their race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin or disability.  Sexual orientation and gender identity are not included.

But, according to statistics compiled by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, three out of 33 hate crimes reported in 2007 were motivated by anti-homosexual agendas.  That's 9% of Oklahoma's hate crimes.

So why, if the OSBI counts anti-homosexual crimes as hate crimes, doesn't Oklahoma law?

That was one of many questions posed at a forum at the Dennis R. Neil Equality Center in Tulsa.  A panel of local experts addressed a crowd of about 100 Tulsans, discussing the lack of protection for homosexuals.

The Tulsans hope to send a message to legislators that now is the time to act for the equality of every person in Oklahoma.

Tulsans left the forum with legislators' contact information.  But, many of those legislators have argued against hate crime legislation altogether.  Their argument is that all crime is hateful and differentiating one as a hate crime based on any personal preference is discriminatory itself.