Denver, CO, April 12, 2007 ... Responding to press reports of allegations that a Pueblo high school student was attacked and beaten because of his sexual orientation, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today condemned bias-motivated violence and applauded the Pueblo Police Department for its quick and responsive actions investigating this incident as a bias-motivated crime.

"Hate crimes are message crimes," said Bruce H. DeBoskey, ADL's Mountain States Regional Director. "Perpetrators of hate crimes send a message to their victims – and everyone else who shares the victim's characteristics – that minorities are not welcome or safe.

"Our communities must unite and send the opposite message loud and clear – that all people, of any color, sexual orientation, gender, ability, religion or ethnicity, are welcome, safe, protected and included in our society. Colorado is no place for hate."

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.