Hate crimes against blacks, religious groups rise - USATODAY.com: The number of crimes against black people and members of religious groups increased in 2008, making up a growing share of incidents motivated by bias, the FBI reported Monday.
The number of crimes against black people and members of religious groups increased in 2008, making up a growing share of incidents motivated by bias, the FBI reported Monday.
Those categories accounted for 56% of the 7,783 hate crimes reported in 2008. Overall, hate crimes increased 2% from 2007.
The election of the first black president and hot-button issues such as abortion and gay marriage contributed to the spikes, anti-bias groups say.
