Former Marshall football player won’t be charged with hate crime

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — A former Marshall University football player who allegedly hit two gay men on a Huntington sidewalk he saw kiss won’t be charged with a hate crime.

A Cabell County judge ruled Friday that Steward Butler couldn’t face a hate crime charge because West Virginia’s hate crimes code does not include protections based on sexual orientation.

Last April, Butler allegedly punched the two men and shouted slurs at them after seeing them kiss. He pleaded not guilty the following month after being indicted on two felony civil rights violations and two counts of battery.

He still faces the two battery charges, and his trial will begin Aug. 16. at 9 a.m.





More News

News
Controversial unemployment bill becomes law without governor's signature
The bill freezes employer contributions and freezes benefits for people who lose their jobs.
March 28, 2024 - 12:20 pm
News
Governor signs bill phasing out state taxes on Social Security and receives praise
The phase-out would mean a 35% cut retroactive to Jan. 1, 2024; 65% in 2025 and 100% in 2026.
March 28, 2024 - 11:46 am
News
West Virginia Parkways Authority prepares for Easter travelers on the Turnpike
More than 500,000 transactions are projected at the West Virginia Turnpike through Monday.
March 28, 2024 - 11:30 am
News
Governor vetoes vaccination exemption bill, and now that debate is primed to get even bigger
House Bill 5105 would have removed vaccination requirements for students in virtual public schools, and it also would have allowed private and parochial schools to set their own standards.
March 28, 2024 - 11:14 am