The FBI has just released national hate crime statistics for 2008. 1,617 sexuality-based hate crimes were reported last year (the FBI does not collect stats on gender identity-based hate crimes) — 157 more physical attacks, destruction of property, and intimidation than 2007. So, is this a sign of a worsening environment for LGB folks? Maybe 8 years of Bush have taken their toll?

Don’t hyperventilate just yet: a good part of the increase could be due to increased reporting – 449 more law-enforcement agencies participated in the department’s hate crimes-reporting program in 2008, versus 2007. As far as Minnesota, you can sit your butt back down — sexuality-based hate crimes in the North Star State stayed pretty much flat – 30 in 2008, versus 27 in 2007. (h/t Queerty)

Elsewhere

Puerto Rico – Jorge Steven Lopez Mercado’s mother: Love conquers hate. (Blabbeando)

D.C. – The Senate has postponed initial hearings on a Don’t Ask Don’t Tell repeal without setting a new date. Senator Carl Levin (D-MI) says the Senate Armed Services Committee is too busy investigating Fort Hood. Depending on whether or not you believe Rep. Barney Frank, this is not an indefinite postponement, as Frank recently told reporters that a DADT repeal bill would be attached to the 2011 defense spending bill, much as the Shepherd Hate Crimes Act was attached to the 2010 defense spending bill. (Queerty)

Massachusetts – My home state is so wierd. The leading GOP candidate for governor is pro-gay, and is selecting the openly-gay Republican senate minority leader as his running mate. State Sen. Richard Tisei is well-known for the important role he played in preserving marriage equality when opponents threatened a referendum…maybe this will be the first GOP campaign to be based on support for marriage equality? (The Advocate)

California – Yet another federal judge orders the federal government to pay domestic partner benefits to a same-sex couple in its employ. (Edge)

Illinois – Chicago’s HIV/AIDS funding is in peril, thanks to a state budget crunch. (The Bilerico Project)

Teh Interwebs – Mock-fellatio at its MTV finest – Adam Lambert causes a storm at the American Music Awards(h/t Towleroad)