In fact... hate crimes are higher in liberals states than southern ones. (religion.blogs.cnn.com)
I think the examples you gave are statistically higher in those true blue liberals states as compared to the south, so not sure where you get the idea it is a southern problem. (religion.blogs.cnn.com)
I then want to look at how social liberals approach the state, and finally consider what a social liberal state would be like. (socialliberal.net)