Senate votes to expand federal hate crimes law

[WillParkinson]

Source: The Associated Press

Senate votes to expand federal hate crimes law

(Washington) People attacked because of their sexual orientation or gender would receive federal protections under a Senate-approved measure that significantly expands the reach of hate crimes law.

The Senate bill also would make it easier for federal prosecutors to step in when state or local authorities are unable or unwilling to pursue hate crimes.

“The Senate made a strong statement this evening that hate crimes have no place in America,” Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., said after the chamber voted Thursday to attach the legislation as an amendment to a $680 billion defense spending bill expected to be completed next week.

The House in April approved a similar bill and President Barack Obama has urged Congress to send him hate crimes legislation, presenting the best scenario for the measure to become law since Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., first introduced it more than a decade ago.

Republicans will have the opportunity to propose several more changes to the hate crimes bill on Monday, but that will not change its status as part of the must-pass defense bill.



Read more: http://www.365gay.com/news/senate-votes-to-expand-federal-hate-crimes-law/

[BlancheSplanchnik]

1. there's so much violence against women, I'm glad to finally see gender included -nt-

[David__77]

2. Vote was 63-28, no Democrats against.

http://senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=111&session=1&vote=00233

Now this basic measure will pass into law. Up next, ENDA.

[lindisfarne]

3. This is an amendment to the defense auth. bill, which also includes F22 funding that Obama says he

will veto.

Unless the senators remove the F22 funding-which the air force has said is unnecessary-they're playing games, making it look like they're trying to pass this when in fact they aren't serious.

Why isn't this a stand-alone bill? It certainly deserves to be.

[Wednesdays]

4. K&R

:kick:

[Dramarama]

5. I'm saddened

by some religious sites saying it will hurt Christianity and free speech. Since when was violence a part of Christianity. Well besides you know