Tue 8 Feb 2011 In: International News View at Wayback View at NDHA
WRAL.com Neighbours of a gay couple victimised by arson in Clayton, North Carolina say the men were harassed about their sexuality for at least a year before the fire destroyed their home. WRAL.com reports: "A neighbour, who asked to remain anonymous for fear of backlash, said there have been at least three separate incidents of anti-gay harassment at the home over the past year. The neighbour said the couple had their tires slashed, a gay slur was written on their home in marker and they also received a note with a gay slur in their mailbox telling them to move. The couple was out of town at the time of the early morning fire and is now staying at a hotel. Police are investigating the theft of lawnmowers from the home in the days before the fire. WRAL.com says despite the neighbour's claims the couple was harassed, authorities said that investigators are close to determining that the fire does not fit the state's criteria for a hate crime.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Tuesday, 8th February 2011 - 10:32am