Hate crimes based on sexual orientation go down in 2009

According to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation's crime statistics, hate crimes based on sexual orientation went down in Tennessee in 2009 vs the previous year. There were 52 sexual bias crimes in 2009 vs 60 in 2008.

Nevertheless, there were incidents in Nashville. The Tennessean describes two:

"In March, a man walking downtown on Second Avenue was confronted by a man who asked if he was gay. When he responded that he was gay, the other man punched him in the mouth. The victim required stitches."

and...

"In December, a man walking near Second Avenue North and Commerce Street with his friends was called an anti-gay slur, punched and tossed to the ground. He was treated for a dislocated elbow."

Overall, the report is good news. The report is a reminder that areas that are becoming more tolerant such as Nashville still have work to do in reducing the number of bias related incidents.

The report does not cover crimes based on gender identity unless it is now putting such crimes in with the category gender. The federal hate crimes law was signed in 2009 which covers both sexual orientation and gender identity, so hopefully the 2010 report that comes out next year will have a full breakdown of statistics. The lack of specific reporting is another reason to pass the Richardson/Marrero bill in the Legislature that would add gender identity and expression to the state hate crimes statute.

Tea with a side of hate

There's no controlling a movement. The actions of some shouldn't always define the reputation of everyone. But when members of a movement act out then everyone has a decision to make. Do you look the other way, do you apologize, do you celebrate?

Well, I'm waiting to see what the loosely organized groups that make up the tea party are going to do in light of the news that some of their members hurled racist and anti-gay epithets and spit at Black and gay members of Congress.

According to MSNBC's First Read:

African-American Congressman John Lewis (D-GA), a protege of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who helped organize the March on Washington, went to the House floor today to tell Majority Whip Jim Clyburn (D-SC) that a Tea Party protester called him a "n-----."

Another Democratic source confirms to NBC News that openly gay Congressman Barney Frank (D-MA) was called a "f--" by somebody in the Tea Party crowd.

Rep. Emanaul Cleaver (D-MO), another African-American member, was apparently spit on by a Tea Party protester.

Clyburn, who helped lead sit-ins in South Carolina in the '60s had this to say regarding the Tea Partiers:

"It was absolutely shocking to me, last Monday, I stayed home to meet on the campus Pomford University where 50 years ago, as of last Monday, March 15th I led the first demonstrations in South Carolina, the sit-ins...quite frankly I heard some things today that I haven't heard since that day. I heard people saying things today I've not heard since March 15th, 1960 when I was marching to try and get off the back of the bus. This is incredible, shocking to me.

Carol Swain has questioned the sources and motives behind the story in some tweets today, but concedes that it's "quite unfortunate if the incident occurred." Her questions come as a result of her views of Crewof42, a Twitter handle for Lauren Victoria Burke, whom Swain calls a "mouthpiece" of the Congressional Black Caucus.

First, I haven't seen anyone directly dispute that any of these incidents occurred. Second, I didn't notice that Swain dealt with the epithets directed at Congressman Frank. She may have, but I didn't see it. Third, it's not hard to imagine that a few individuals at a rally where the rhetoric is boiling might do just the kind of things that have been reported.

The Tea Party has already been getting a xenophobic rap. Will anti-Black and anti-gay stick, too? It depends. The leaders--and who can figure out exactly who they all are?--should condemn these actions. The outcome of the upcoming health care reform vote should give the movement plenty of opportunity for reflection on how they go forward. Part of that reflection ought to involve a frank discussion of their approach to minorities.

Shipley allegedly prophesies divine judgment on California and suggests secession

A blogger recounts some jaw-dropping words from Rep. Tony Shipley while discussing Tennessee's adoption ban bill:

-"They can do whatever they want out in California, with gays passing babies around, and violating God’s law, but when God drops California off into the sea, they will have to deal with the consequences of their actions.”
-"That [gays adopting] ain’t gonna fly-I’m sorry, I’m a Southern Baptist, I’m a Christian.”

And the most alarming in my opinion:
-"If they [the "secular progressives"] keep pushing and pushing and pushing-they’re pushing us too far, and something will happen-just like we did in 1860.”

The criticisms are just too obvious on the bigotry, but I wonder whether anyone has told the man that East Tennessee was unionist during the Civil War. East Tennessee values? He doesn't sound like he knows what they are.

Westboro Baptist to protest in Scott County

Just when I thought the most serious offenses committed this month would be in the presidential campaign, this one is so off the charts, I barely know what to say. Pastor Fred Phelps' Westboro Baptist Church is coming to Scott County to protest at the funerals of four Scott High cheerleaders killed in an accident on Friday.

The announcement has the Scott County Liberals asking questions:

"If this group is to protest, how will our community react? How should our community react?"

I feel outraged and in pain for this community. I grew up in a small county like Scott County where everyone knows everyone else. This is a horrible loss and to have to deal with protests at the funerals of these children is going to be a life-shattering experience for many. Can you imagine being the official who has to issue the damned permit for this hate group to assault the eyes and ears of his or her neighbors? Can you imagine the feelings of the sheriff who has to guarantee the safety of the protesters? It's too much.

Obama camp hits McCain on opposition to Shepard Act

The Washington Blade reports that the Obama campaign is challenging John McCain on his opposition to the Matthew Shepard Act, which would add sexual orientation and gender identity as federally protected categories:

In a conference call Monday, an official with the Obama campaign’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Steering Committee noted that Obama is a strong supporter of the Matthew Shepard National Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act while McCain opposes the legislation.

“We feel it’s important to point out the stark contrast between Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain on this issue,” said Matt Nosanchuk, an official with the Obama LGBT Steering and Policy Committee.

The challenge came as a result of the sharp increase in anti-GLBT hate violence this year:

[Sharon] Stapel [of the New York City Anti-Violence Project] and Avy Skolnik, who heads the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs, which is affiliated with the New York group, said recent incidents of anti-gay and anti-trans violence have occurred in at least seven states, including New York, Colorado, Texas, Tennessee and Ohio.

The piece is a welcome effort at showcasing the issue of hate crimes in the campaign. Unfortunately, while the reporter sought comment from the McCain campaign, the story went to press before there was a response. I think a piece like this could have waited a couple of days to provide opportunity for McCain to weigh in.

Johnson City hate crime update

A video interview with one of the victims can be found here. You can also find Out & About Newspaper's story here.

Attack possibly motivated by anti-gay hate in Johnson City

John Shuck has the details.

Tennessee Valley UU Church shooter indicted

Jim David Atkisson, the man accused of opening fire in the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church, has been indicted on two charges of first-degree murder, according to the Knoxville News Sentinel. The Grand Jury also indicted him on two counts of felony murder and six counts of attempted first-degree murder.

Adkisson may be facing federal charges as well. U.S. Attorney Russ Dedrick is keeping mum, but the FBI is conducting a civil-rights probe, and Dedrick's office has an extensive history of prosecuting civil-rights cases.

Reactions to the Noose

Yolanda Putnam gives us a sample of some of the community reactions to the second noose found a Blue Cross Blue Shield building site in Chattanooga.

...the city’s Office of Multicultural Affairs is launching a marketing campaign to advertise its discrimination hot line. “This type of demonstration will not be tolerated,” said Multicultural Affairs board member Norma Hansen at the group’s monthly meeting Wednesday.

But the office is doing even more:

The group also is establishing a citywide policy for responding to hate crimes, and it has been conducting events such as the Sweet Diversity neighborhood meetings that celebrate ethnic differences. “If you plant hatred, those weeds will attempt to drown out the good seeds,” Ms. Hansen said. “We want to plant seeds of harmony and respect throughout the community.”

Blue Cross Blue Shield has also spoken out in a memo to employees:

“Blue Cross BlueShield of Tennessee will not stand for this behavior,” wrote President and CEO Vicky Gregg in an e-mail to employees this week. “BCBST has a proud history of diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age or faith.”

These responses are extremely positive. They indicate that hate crimes must be taken seriously by the entire community. It is also encouraging that government and a major corporation are taking the lead. Some might consider a couple of nooses a joke, but they should be construed as a threat of violence based on bias.

Another noose found at Blue Cross Blue Shield building site

Noose number 2 has been found by construction workers at a Blue Cross Blue Shield in Chattanooga. The FBI continues to investigate. The construction company is attempting to deal with the situation.

Skanska, the company in charge of the construction project, is offering diversity and sensitivity training. So far, said John Reyhan, general manager for the project, morale has not been affected.

“We’ve added a tremendous amount of security at the site,” Mr. Reyhan said. “And at our jobwide meeting every morning we are encouraging anyone to come forward with any reports of intimidation.”

No one is speculating about the motive. I wondered in my last post about the subject whether the crew were being targeted. We don't have any information about the racial and ethnic makeup of the workers. It's interesting that the construction company is offering sensitivity training. Does that mean that they're not ruling out the possibility that someone on the crew is involved?

Bridging the liberal-orthodox divide

The Rev. Gail Seavey, minister of First Unitarian Universalist in Nashville, discusses the tragic shooting at Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church in Knoxville. She mentions the 2006 marriage summit at First UU, which equipped Unitarians across the state to get involved in the Tennessee Equality Project's Vote No on 1 campaign.

She also mentions some of the bridge building that occurred across the liberal-orthodox divide:

We were grateful, but not surprised by the respectful support the Knoxville police and about 40 mental health institutions have given. But I confess, I was surprised by the outpouring of food, sanctuary, love and public support from the Knoxville religious community, liberal and orthodox.

Noose found at Chattanooga Blue Cross Blue Shield site

A noose has been discovered at a Chattanooga Blue Cross Blue Shield workplace in Chattanooga. The FBI is investigating the incident and trying to determine whether it constitutes a hate crime. It occurred the same day four workers became ill, but so far the noose and the illnesses don't appear related.

The story mentions that it is a building site and that employees of Skanska, a construction firm with a presence in Nashville, had been there and were to report back for work on Monday. Even though the illnesses don't seem to be related to the noose, I wonder whether the crew was targeted.

It has been a tough summer for hate issues in Tennessee. In June, there was a cross burning in Scott County. Revelations of a February police beating of a transgender woman in Memphis came to light in June, closely followed by the murder of a transgender woman in July in the same city. And just two weeks ago what should have been a peaceful Sunday was ruptured by the attack at the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church.

Messages matter

Wayne Besen has an interesting column on the subject of hate speech. He compares the desires of social conservatives to shut out speech about GLBT people and the harsh rhetoric leveled at liberals on cable and talk radio as a way of tracking the power of media messages. Can social conservatives have it both ways? In other words, how can they say discussion about GLBT issues in the media "promotes" homosexuality (which means the media have power) while simultaneously denying that their own hateful rhetoric influences tragedies like the one at Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church?

What I find hypocritical is that the Religious Right will take any image it deems gay and claim it “promotes homosexuality.” This even extends to fictional characters such as Tinky Winky and Sponge Bob Square Pants. Yet, these same oversensitive preachers refuse to acknowledge that their mean-spirited sermons might lead to violence.

Safe to be a liberal? Knoxville News Sentinel looks at the discussion

A good set of questions are raised at the Knoxville News Sentinel's site about the connection between the coarsening of public rhetoric and the tragic shooting at Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church. There is also a good set of links to editorials, videos, and blogs about the subject.

See also David Waters' blog at Washington Post.

More reactions to the Knoxville Church Shooting

The responses to the shooting at Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church continue to roll in.

Out & About Newspaper features this moving account by Carla Lewis of the Tennessee Transgender Political Coalition, who was present during the shooting. Pam's House Blend, a national GLBT blog based in North Carolina, analyzed the media's lack of clarity on what exactly is liberal or progressive about the congregation and reads the hints of an anti-gay motive. Mr. Kleinheider finds links to comments about the tragedy made by First Lady Laura Bush as she was visiting Nashville.

A Knoxville activist asked and received when he wrote Mayor Bill Haslam about acknowledging Knoxville's GLBT community. Haslam wasn't the only elected official to comment. Governor Phil Bredesen issued this statement:

Our prayers are with those who have been affected by this horrible event. We extend our sympathies to the families who lost loved ones and hope those who were injured make a full and quick recovery," Bredesen said.

Oklahoma State Rep. Sally Kern was stopped before she entered the capitol yesterday. Why? She had a loaded handgun in her purse. She is the one who famously exclaimed that homosexuality is as serious a threat as terrorism and Islam.

Quite disturbingly, she had received death threats after her remarks were made public. There was another incident in June in which she was found with a gun in the capitol. I have no doubt that she fears for her life.

Events like this one make me realize that "culture war" is not merely an image for some people. That death threats have become part of the debate over social issues is completely disgusting.

I find myself as sick of words like bigot, extremist, and so forth that are used to characterize the Right as I am of all the dehumanizing ways the GLBT community is characterized in the discourse of those who oppose us.

In the end, the individuals who make death threats and those who perpetrate hate crimes are responsible for their actions. Arguing about whether our political discourse causes particular acts of violence is a little like trying to determine whether violence in movies makes people do terrible things. It's a pretty foggy enterprise.

But what is clear to me is that the religious discourse on the Right and the secular discourse of progress on the Left have not yet been successful in tempering the feelings and language of violence. I don't even know if we can borrow a religious word like "redemptive" and give it a nonsectarian meaning and apply it to the ways we talk about those with whom we are locked in disagreement.

But the fact that there have been threats against an Oklahoma representative and the fact that the GLBT community continues to suffer violence means we're not trying very hard at persuasion. Right now, persuasion sounds pretty redemptive.

Message on wheels come through Nashville

WKRN ran this story on a documentary filmmaker whose car was spray-painted with anti-gay slurs in Albany, New York. She decided to leave the vandal's words on her car to make it everyone's issue. Unfortunately, when she came through Nashville, she found her windows smashed upon returning to her car one evening. Volkswagen and the Sundance Film Festival are sponsoring her journey across America. Now that's creative activism!

Hat tip to H.G. for this one.

UT-Martin nondiscrimination policy stalls

Look here for the UT-Martin Pacer story. Basically, the move that would add sexual orientation and gender identity to the school's nondiscrimination policy, that passed easily in student government, has stalled in the executive committee of the faculty senate. Some of the members say they aren't aware of any problems.

I suppose that they can't remember this hate incident last year on campus in which anti-gay threats were written on the West Tennessee campus sidewalks during the Day of Silence.

The policy change could still come up at the faculty senate meeting on April 22.

Here is a list of colleges and universities that have inclusive nondiscrimination policies.

Response to hate in Cleveland

Here's part of an interesting piece in the Bradley News Weekly by Daniel Brantley:

Whatever it takes to walk down the road to hatred, Cleveland came face to face with the outcome recently, and it's left the community sick at their collective stomach. The spray paint on the side of those homes is a disgusting sight that could be a sign that we've shot backwards a good 100 years or so. Or it could be a sign that ignorance has hit a select few right between the eyes. Is there any other way such an act could have come to fruition?

The worst part is what an incident like this could do to a weak community. One group of people suddenly becomes afraid of the other, and both begin to look over their shoulders a bit more. Whereas trust in one's neighbors used to exist in full bloom, it has now been replaced with fear and skepticism. No one can trust anyone else, because that someone else could be out to get you.

http://www.bradleyweekly.com/news.cfm?id=6228&issue=333 for the rest.

It's an important reminder that hate crimes are not merely acts of vandalism committed by individuals against individuals. Hate crimes target minorities and affect an entire community. They sew distrust and fear. And they can happen anywhere, from charming small towns to cosmopolitan, "progressive" cities. They provide opportunities for communities to come together across differences and say, "This is not who we are or want to be."

Chris Crocker: "It's just a Southern part of me..."

Tennessean Chris Crocker interviewed in The Advocate online: http://www.advocate.com/exclusive_detail_ektid52803.asp .

Warning: This interview is pretty frank and the naughty bits are not edited out.

He discusses all the hate in the "homophobosphere" and how he responds.