Kentucky Lesbian Couple: Firework Attack Was Hate Crime

A lesbian couple in Harlan County, Ky., who say they were beaten and terrorized in a July 4 attack because of their sexual orientation, are requesting that the federal government investigate the case as a hate crime.

Misty Turner told the Lexington Herald-Leader that she and Brandy Standifer have lived in the Pathfork area openly as a couple for three years. A 28-year-old nurse, Turner has two children from a previous relationship, ages 5 and 3, who divide their time between the residence she shares with Standifer and the home of their father.

The Herald-Leader reports that on July 4, the two women, the children, and other family members sat in a church parking lot waiting for a fireworks show to begin when "people among a crowd at a nearby house began shooting fireworks at them."

Turner said the fireworks burned her son, her 80-year-old grandmother, and others.

"There was just sparks everywhere," she said.

When her father approached the alleged perpetrators, Turner said she attempted to stop him and was attacked by members of the group, some of whom called out the word "dykes" and made derogatory comments. When Standifer stepped in to help, she was knocked to the ground and kicked.

"If you want to look like a man, let's see you fight like one," Turner claimed a man said to Standifer.

Turner sustained a head injury and bleeding in her sinus cavity, while Standifer suffered a broken rib and bruises.

Turner was able to identify three of the dozen or so people she said were involved. Two have been charged in the attack, but only one charge has been forwarded to a grand jury for a possible felony indictment.

On behalf of the women, the Kentucky Equality Federation requested federal involvement for the others involved.

Read the full story here.