Three Men Face Hate Crime Charges After California Beating

Not everyone was celebrating after last week’s gay marriage ruling in California. Three Sacramento men face hate crime charges after beating a gay man mere hours after the nuptial-related ruling.

Micah Jontomo Tasaki, 21, Gregory Lee Winfield, 20, and Robert Lee Denor, 19, face assault charges which may be upgraded to include a hate crime enhancement to their sentences if they are convicted.

Police say the three approached two men who were sitting in a car at a service station and asked the driver if he is gay. When the man said yes he was dragged from the car and beaten.

The 23-year old victim, whose name is being withheld by police, did not require hospitalization.

The men will appear in court today, where their prosecutorial fates will be decided. Sacramento police seem to think the attack qualifies as a hate crime. Said Officer Michelle Lazark: “It’s a gay-bashing. Gay slurs were used before they commenced to beating him. I don’t know if these guys were looking for someone or are just ignorant.” Well, ignorance must have place a role, right?