SANTA ANA, Calif., May 26 (UPI) -- The number of hate crimes committed in Orange County, Calif., last year was similar to 2007, but the percentage aimed at black and Latinos rose, officials say.
The annual report by the Orange County Human Relations Commission shows that African-Americans and Latinos were the victims of 38 hate crimes in 2008 compared with 30 the year before, while hate crimes aimed at gays and lesbians, Christians and whites fell, The Orange County Register reported Tuesday.
The Commission's numbers showed that hate crimes against Latinos has nearly doubled since 2006.
"This may be due to misplaced concerns about the economy and vilification of immigrants, as well as fear of foreigners," the group wrote in its report, noting that the "emotionally charged and protracted battle" over gay marriage may have contributed to hate crimes against homosexuals, who often underreport such crimes aimed at them, it said.
