An attack on a man in a Greenwich Village McDonald’s was classified as a hate crime, reported The New York Times (9/25/12). The male suspect made homophobic comments before slashing the man in the face, back, neck, and elbow. These words made the crime a hate crime, said New York civil rights violation lawyer David Perecman, founder of The Perecman Firm.
The 22-year-old victim was with his significant other when the altercation occurred. According to the New York Times, the suspect was allegedly angered when the victim’s transgender girlfriend tried to use the ladies restroom.
A crime is a hate crime in New York when it is committed due to a hatred or prejudice against someone because of their actual or perceived race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, disability, or gender identity explained lawyers at The Perecman Firm, one of New York’s civil rights violation law firms.
“Hate crimes are violent acts of discrimination which have no place in New York,” civil rights violations lawyer Perecman said. “All New Yorkers and visitors to this city have a right to be who they are, to dress as whichever gender they identify with, and to feel safe.”
According to the Hate Crime in New York State 2010 Annual Report, the most recent figures available, New York City reported 350 hate crime incidents, an increase of 27% from the year before. Anti-male homosexual bias was the third most frequently reported motivation factor for the hate crimes.
Hate crimes are usually intended to induce fear and-or cause psychological harm to entire communities as well as the individuals attacked.
Individuals who believe they have been victims of a New York civil rights violation including hate crimes or gender discrimination in the workplace can contact The Perecman Firm at 212-977-7033.