Washington– The Human Rights Campaign released the following statement in response to a brutal attack against a lesbian in Lincoln, Nebraska, during which home invaders bound the victim, carved anti-LGBT slurs into her skin, and set her house on fire.

“The accounts of the violence inflicted upon this woman are truly horrific,” said HRC Vice President of Communications Fred Sainz. “We have confidence that the Lincoln Police Department will thoroughly investigate this crime and take swift and appropriate action to bring the perpetrators to justice. No one should ever have to live in fear simply because of who they are. Our thoughts are with the victim and we wish her a full recovery. This act of violence is a jarring reminder that we have much work to do in creating environments where all members of our community feel safe living honestly and openly, and where crimes motivated by one’s sexual orientation or gender identity are never tolerated.”

Nebraska has a hate crimes statute that covers crimes motivated by a victim’s sexual orientation. Federal authorities also may have jurisdiction over the crime as a result of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act.

HRC is alerting both the FBI and the Justice Department to this crime.

The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.