Hate Crimes

Map Key

Address hate or bias crimes based on sexual orientation only

10 States

Address hate or bias crimes based on sexual orientation and gender identity

8 States

Have a Law that Eliminates a Bias Rage or Panic Defense in Criminal Acts

15 States & DC

All but four states (Arkansas, Indiana, South Carolina and Wyoming) have laws addressing the scourge of hate crimes, but there is variation in the list of enumerated protected classes. The laws that address hate or bias crimes against LGBTQ+ people are as follows.

*Laws lacking LGBTQ+ inclusion: States that have a law that addresses hate or bias crimes based, but do not expressly address either sexual orientation or gender identity (15 states): Alabama, Alaska, Idaho, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Utah (no categories listed), and West Virginia.

**Data Collection Only: Indiana (sexual orientation), Michigan (sexual orientation) and Rhode Island (gender identity).

Updated November 14, 2024