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SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- The alleged gang rape of a woman near San Francisco earlier this month seems to be the punctuation on a series of high profile attacks against gays and lesbians around the U.S. this year.

Advocates say they aren't sure if the threats, beatings and killings reflect a true rise in attacks or increased reporting of hate-based crimes.

FBI statistics show the number of reported hate crimes based on sexual orientation climbed from 2005 to 2007.

But advocates point out not all states allow attacks motivated by anti-gay bias to be charged as hate crimes.

Also, some victims are reluctant to reveal their sexual orientations to police, leading some gay and transgender rights advocates to suspect the numbers to be much higher.

(Copyright ©2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)