hate crime trial begins oct. 29

COMMUNITY UNITE!

On Friday, October 29, 2004, the criminal trial of case numbers 2102079 and 2102097, People of the State of California v Jeffrey Leeper and Curtis Stahle, will begin, at the Hall of Justice, 850 Bryant Street, San Francisco. Jury selection is scheduled to begin the following week. The two defendants have been charged with two felony counts each, for violation of the hate crimes statute, and aggravated assault, for brutally attacking a man on February 18, 2003, in front of Martuni’s bar, because they perceived him as being gay. It is critical that this case be brought to the public eye.

It is imperative for the community that a message is sent that this type of senseless hateful violence will not be tolerated. That this took place in the heart of San Francisco, only a mile from the Castro, across the street from The Center, only heightens the pain of bigoted violence. Further, the two defendants were Berkeley fraternity members at the time of the attack.

This case’s outcome is critical and central to the community as a whole.

COMMUNITY UNITE! Take the time to show up and lend your strength.