But she won’t tolerate being attacked on her hometown streets because she’s a lesbian, and that’s precisely what compelled Keith, 29, to stand before more than 250 people Monday night at the Badlander and urge their support of legislation that would add sexual orientation, gender and disability to Montana’s current hate-crime statute.
“When I was attacked that night I felt really alone, and now I see all of you and I feel so much support,” she said.
That same weekend, a 22-year-old University of Montana student was attacked by four unknown men while crossing the campus footbridge. The victim was shoved to the ground and kicked repeatedly in the chest and back, police said, and his assailants screamed anti-gay epithets during the attack.
Sgt. Casey Richardson and Capt. Dick Lewis of the Missoula Police Department were on hand to visit with audience members and show their support at the rally.
“We want everyone to know that we’re available,” Richardson said.
The event also featured political speakers like Rep. Michelle Reinhart, D-Missoula; Sen. Dave Wanzenreid, D-Missoula; and Sen.Christine Kaufmann, D-Helena, who has been proposing bills to expand Montana’s hate-crime statute for 16 years.
“It’s time for the assault on the gay and lesbian community to stop,” Kaufmann told the crowd. “That’s why we’re here. We are all under assault.”
Kaufmann encouraged audience members to convince their legislators not only to vote for new hate-crime legislation, but to “twist arms and expend a little political capital.”
Missoula Mayor John Engen also voiced his support, commending the full-capacity turnout at Forward Montana’s weekly Progressive Happy Hour.
“Hate and violence are not Missoula values,” Engen said. “We all have the responsibility to remind ourselves relentlessly that hate and violence are not Missoula values. It doesn’t matter whether the incident is big or little, if you feel you have been victimized, let us know. It’s the only way we can help.”
For more news from Monday night's rally, see Tuesday's print edition of the Missoulian and Missoulian.com.
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