In many jurisdictions, hate crimes are recognized and penalized based on race, religion, ethnicity, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, and gender identity. However, ableism—discrimination and social prejudice against people with disabilities—is often overlooked. This petition seeks to change that by urging lawmakers to recognize ableism as a hate crime. According to the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS), people with disabilities are twice as likely to be victims of violent victimization than those without disabilities. Yet these crimes often go unreported or unrecognized as hate crimes due to the lack of legal recognition for ableism.

By recognizing ableism as a hate crime, we can provide better protections for disabled individuals and ensure that perpetrators face appropriate consequences for their actions. This petition calls upon lawmakers at all levels of government to take this important step towards equality and justice for all citizens regardless of their physical or mental abilities.

Please sign this petition if you believe in equal rights and protections for everyone in our society.