2009-10-26

ftmichael: - at Old Sturbridge Village, 03 July 2008.  Copyright 2008-2009. (Default)
[personal profile] ftmichael2009-10-26 04:46 pm
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US: Victory on Federal Hate Crimes Legislation!

Victory on Federal Hate Crimes Legislation!
23 October 2009

Dear friends,

It's incredible.

Yesterday, the Senate passed the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, a major piece of national civil rights legislation for lesbian, gay, bisexual and Transgender Americans. The Act broadens the definition of federal hate crimes to include those motivated by a victim's gender identity or sexual orientation. It gives victims the same federal safeguards already afforded to people who are attacked because of their race, colour, religion or national origin.

Now that the bill has passed both the House and the Senate, it's on to President Obama for his signature. He has promised to sign the bill into law.
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