A lesbian couple in Harlan County who believe they were attacked and beaten because of their sexual orientation want the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate the case. The Kentucky Equality Federation on Wednesday requested that the federal government pursue the case as a hate crime, according to a letter provided by Jordan Palmer, its president. The federation, which advocates for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people, made the request for Misty Turner and Brandy Standifer.