Anti-Gay Hate Crimes

Part of A&E's Investigative Reports series, this tape sports the familiar "reenactment" style to focus on crimes perpetrated against Matthew Shepard, Billy Jack Gaither, and other gay or perceived-to-be gay Americans. Fortunately, it really goes beyond the sensationalism inherent in these cases to present cogent commentary from both sides of the gay rights issue, especially from Jack Levin of Northeastern University, who explains that hate crimes are a form of domestic terrorism that sends the chilling message that "if you come to this campus, if you move to this block, the same thing will happen to you." We are also reminded that the new visibility enjoyed by gays has resulted in more rage, more open hate, and more violence against them, though crime across the U.S. is overall on the decline. Although the picture presented is more-or-less balanced between gay activists and groups such as the Family Research Council, the video does not mention any legislation currently in the works, or try to predict the future of this issue. Still, this tape is recommended for its reasoned commentary amidst the more garish scenes of violence. Aud: C, P. (K. Glaser)