University students who are repeatedly harassed because of their sexual orientation are not alone.

The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Policy Institute last week reported a 31 percent increase from last year in anti-gay violence in five of the nation's major cities. That finding coincided with a Los Angeles County Human Relations Commission report last week showing a 36 percent increase in anti-gay crimes.

Some local residents said the reports stem from more crimes being reported and a reaction to an increase of gay people who are proud of their sexual orientation.

"Although I disagree with the homosexual lifestyle, I think it's a shame," said Glen Bayly, an Alliance Christian Fellowship pastor. "Those who do oppose homosexuals are not helping the cause if they are using illegal means."

Lisa Henderson -- a Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Student Alliance adviser -- said that although she has not seen the reports yet, anti-gay crimes are prevalent whether or not the reports exhibit an increase in crime reporting.

"Even if it does mean it reflects an increase in reporting, the rates are still very high and it requires measures at Penn State and elsewhere to better secure a comfortable environment," Henderson said.

The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Policy Institute released a survey last week citing 1,822 reported incidents of anti-gay violence in 1991 in New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Boston and Minneapolis-St. Paul. They ranged from reports of verbal harassment and police abuse to arson and murder.

Some people said the report might also prove that laws don't do enough to create a tolerant environment.

"I have more faith in education than making the laws more strict. It doesn't seem like any of the laws that we have now are helping," said Jenifer Fabian, an LGBSA social/educational co-director. "This is a way of people trying to force people back in the closet."

A similar report last week by the Los Angeles County Human Relations Commission found 169 anti-gay crimes in Los Angeles County. They included 117 attacks on gay men -- especially on sidewalks or at bus stops.

"I don't think there's a place for acts of violence as a way of conveying a message," Bayly said.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.