Youth involvement in anti-gay and anti-lesbian bias crimes

There is currently little information available about youth who commit bias crimes. This article contributes to the literature by highlighting the similarities and differences between sexual orientation-motivated bias crimes committed by adult and youth suspects. Among 894 reported sexual orientation-motivated incidents in Los Angeles County between 2002 and 2008, this study found that, when compared to adult suspects, youth suspects were more likely to target other youths, were more likely to be in mixed-gender groups, were less likely to commit crimes against person, and were most likely to be reported as committing the crime at school. These preliminary findings highlight the need for additional research into bias-motivation among youth and to clarify the links between bullying and bias crimes.