Marcellus Andrews' Family believe his death was not a Hate Crime, because he's not Gay

In a community meeting at the Jubilee United Methodist Church in Waterloo, IA, many gathered to discuss Marcellus Andrews' death. But his family believe he was not gay and his death is not a hate crime.

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Waterloo police acknowledge the remarks but said the assault was not a a hate crime, but rather was motivated by a dispute between two rival groups.

Andrews' family does not believe he was gay.

His sister, Nichella Andrews, 22, supports the police in ruling out a hate crime. Witnesses' accounts of what allegedly happened have been blown out of proportion, she said. A cousin, Renicia Haywood, 18, noted that a person who displays perceived feminine actions is not necessarily gay.

"They didn't come to beat him up because he was gay," Haywood said. "There's more to the story."

"Gay or not, perceived as gay still ends up being a hate crime under those conditions," said Jim Day, vice president of the Black Hawk County branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. "Perception of gay and being gay still both qualify."

In my opinion, I believe Marcellus was gay. But I can see why his family may not be ready to accept that. However, I have to disagree with them. This was a hate crime, no doubt about it.  

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