
CONTACTAbout UsCAREER OPPORTUNITIESADVERTISE WITH USPRIVACY POLICYPRIVACY PREFERENCESTERMS OF USELEGAL NOTICE
© 2025 Equal Entertainment LLC.
All Rights reserved
All Rights reserved
By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
We need your help
Your support makes The Advocate's original LGBTQ+ reporting possible. Become a member today to help us continue this work.
Your support makes The Advocate's original LGBTQ+ reporting possible. Become a member today to help us continue this work.
The president of the Kentucky Equality Federation is firing back at state police, who are saying an alleged attempt to kill a lesbian teenager was not a hate crime.
Jordan Palmer of the KEF said that while Kentucky state law does not provide for a hate-crimes charge, police officers don't have the final word on what is and is not a
hate crime. He added that the sentencing judge, if the accused women are found guilty, may determine whether the primary motivation for a crime is hate, according to United We Stand Kentucky. Additional penalties may then apply.
Ashley Sams and Corrine Schwab, both 18, along with an unnamed 17-year-old, were arrested and charged with kidnapping fellow student and friend Cheyenne Williams. Authorities say the assault involved them trying to push her off a cliff at Flat Lick Falls on Friday, the National Day of Silence. Williams eventually escaped.
Sams and Schwab posted bond last week. They will be arraigned Monday.
Kentucky State Police sergeant Matt Feltner said the incident was "not a hate crime." He added that police are also investigating whether the assault was a prank.
However, Williams's mother said the alleged assault happened because her daughter is a lesbian. She also said Cheyenne was too scared to return to school and that she will complete her final two months of high school at home but will graduate on time with her class.
From our Sponsors
Most Popular
Watch Now: Pride Today
Latest Stories
Celebrated queer poet Andrea Gibson dead at 49
July 14 2025 6:25 PM
19 photos from 1990s San Francisco show the roots of butch and femme culture
July 14 2025 2:12 PM
Ellen DeGeneres shows unexpected support for Rosie O'Donnell in Trump feud
July 14 2025 12:19 PM
Florida Republican official suspended for social posts mocking Pulse murder victims
July 14 2025 11:41 AM
How drag artists can protect themselves from the far-right attacks
July 14 2025 6:00 AM
Donald Trump threatens to revoke Rosie O'Donnell's citizenship — but he can't
July 12 2025 6:04 PM