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A troubling rise in anti-LGBTQ hate crimes is plaguing the Sacramento region, with a near-doubling of cases in 2022 compared to the previous year, as detailed in a recent Hate Crime in California report. This trend is playing out against the backdrop of escalating anti-LGBTQ rhetoric and legislation throughout the nation.

Sharp Uptick in Anti-LGBTQ Hate Crime Events

The report, produced by the state Department of Justice, notes a staggering 44.4% year-on-year increase in hate crime events across the region, which includes Sacramento, El Dorado, Placer, and Yolo counties.

This surge is over double the statewide increase of 20.2%. Specifically concerning anti-LGBTQ hate crime events, the numbers rose from 35 in 2021 to a disconcerting 65 in 2022.

Defined as crimes committed due to animosity towards a person's race, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, or physical or mental ability, hate crimes are experiencing an alarming upswing.

Anti-LGBTQ Hate Crimes on the Rise

Anti-Black hate crimes accounted for the majority of incidents statewide, comprising 31% of 2,120 events. However, within the Sacramento region, anti-LGBTQ hate crimes constituted the largest share, contributing to 34% of the 191 reported events. The region witnessed an increase in anti-Black hate crime events, growing from 42 in 2021 to 51 in 2022.

An Atmosphere of Intolerance

This surge in crime events unfolds in a climate marred by laws across the United States. Notably, the passage of the controversial "Don't Say Gay" bill in Florida, which bans classroom discussions on sexual orientation or gender identity, has triggered a national outcry.

The Trans Legislation Tracker has also revealed a trend of anti-trans bills, with 26 passed in 2022 and already 83 in 2023, further exacerbating the rise in anti-LGBTQ crimes.

Statewide Trends Echo Locally

California has seen a sharp rise in crimes related to sexual orientation, with a 29% increase in 2022. Those related to gender identity have surged by an even more alarming 56%. This trend seems to be reflected in the local scene, as evidenced by recent reports of anti-LGBTQ vandalism in Antelope, where pride flags were stolen and burned from numerous homes.