NCAVP calls attention to recent disturbing and tragic incidents of violence

New York - The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP) reports a recent rash of at least 13 brutal and violent hate crimes that have occurred throughout the country on the heels of the murder of 15 year-old Lawrence King in Los Angeles and the brutal beating of Duanna Johnson, both in February of 2008.  NCAVP reports that these hate crimes may indicate a frightening trend of increases in both the number and severity of anti-LGBT violence.  NCAVP continues to be humbled by the strength and the dignity of these victims and survivors, and their loved ones.

"This is extremely disturbing and saddening.  We are witnessing what appears to be an increase in both the occurrence and severity of violence motivated by racism, homophobia, and transphobia," noted Sharon Stapel, Executive Director of the New York City Anti-Violence Project.

"NCAVP wishes to express our sympathy and solidarity with the victims and survivors of this violence as well as their friends and loved ones" said Quillin Drew with the Equality Virginia Anti-Violence Project.

"We must continue to work to build a society where such violence is not tolerated," said Avy Skolnik, NYC AVP's coordinator of national and statewide programs.   "This is not a call for people to hide or to live in fear, but rather a call for people to take notice, to speak out, to not sweep incidents under the rug, and to support and look out for each other."

Denver, CO - The Colorado Anti-Violence Program (CAVP) applauds Weld County District Attorney, Kenneth Buck, prosecutors and law enforcement for filing hate crime charges against 31-year-old Allen Ray Andrade in the beating death of 18-year-old Latina transgender woman, Angie Zapata.
 
The Zapata family expressed their relief that both first degree murder and hate crime charges have been filed. Angie's sister, Monica Murguia, added, "Unfortunately, it's not getting any easier. I thought we'd be done after we buried my sister. It feels like we have to relive it every day."
 
"It seemed apparent from the information provided to the public that the factual scenario surrounding the vicious murder of Angie Zapata fell clearly within the language of Colorado's bias-motivated crime statute," said Mindy Barton, Legal Director at The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center of Colorado.  "The support of law enforcement has been key in the expansion of hate crime legislation to include sexual orientation and gender identity.  It is vitally important that the suspect is now formally charged with a hate crime as it shows the Weld County District Attorney's Office and the Greeley Police Department are strongly committed to enforcing this law."