Panelists pointed out that while most hate crimes are directed at a victim's religion, race or ethnic identity, opponents of legislation in places like Utah present it to the public as a "gay issue." So far, the tactic has worked here, said Lorna Vogt of the nonprofit Utah Progressive Network (UPNET).

"The other side has framed it in terms of special rights," Vogt said. "That's been one of our challenges."

Yet at the Legislature, interest groups opposed to hate-crimes legislation speak of it as a "gay agenda," said panelist Rep. David Litvack, D-Salt Lake City.

For years, Litvack has sponsored legislation that would allow judges to enhance the penalties for hate-crimes offenders.

He seemed optimistic that the upcoming Legislature will produce a law creating harsher penalties for perpetrators of hate crimes.

Audience member Gordon Teramaki, who is Japanese-American, said that as the nation becomes more diverse, it seems that such legislation is necessary. He says he worries about potential victims.

"I'll call my congressman and say I support this," he said.

Others in the audience said the community needs to be educated about who is being targeted by such crimes.

"We're not signing off an agenda," said Vogt. "We want our neighbors to feel safe. . . . We want it [hate-crimes legislation]. We need it. It makes Utah a better place."