News

SPD using stickers to help fight sexual orientation hate crimes

SEATTLE — Seattle police are fighting sexual orientation-related hate crimes on Capitol Hill with a symbol.

They are partnering with dozens of businesses to put rainbow badge stickers on doors.

They signify a location is a safe place for people to call for help if they've been attacked because of their sexual orientation.

"This is the first time that a police department of a major city has aligned itself with the LGBT community in such a way to put the rainbow flag and the badge together," said Social Outreach Seattle founder Shaun Knittel.

There were 126 reported cases of violence against the LGBT community last year, up 15 percent from the year before.

SPD says it has approached 50 businesses on Capitol Hill. Not one has turned down the sticker or the partnership.