Private: Senate Approves Hate Crimes Bill Extension

The Senate approved legislation that extends the definition of hate crimes to include those committed against individuals because of their gender identity, sexual orientation or disability. The New York Times reports that the extension of the federal hates crimes law was included in an "essential military-spending bill," which passed the Senate on a 68-29 vote. The House approved the extension two weeks ago and President Obama has signaled his intent to sign it. Kevin Cathcart, executive director of Lambda Legal, a civil rights organization that has worked for passage of an extended hate crimes law, lauded the Senate's action. "Years after the tragic murders of Matthew Shepard, Brandon Teena, Sakia Gunn and others our government is finally standing up and saying: No more," Cathcart said. "This law will send a message that violence motivated by hate will not be tolerated in this country and is a welcome first step towards other critical protections for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community."

The Times noted that the bill will "allocate $5 million a year to the Justice Department to assist local communities in investigating hate crimes, and it would allow the agency to assist in investigations and prosecutions if local agencies requested help."

In a guest post for ACSblog earlier this year, Liz Seaton, director of projects and Managing Attorney for the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR), covered the ongoing debate over the hate crimes law and urged lawmakers to extend its coverage. 

Criminal Justice, LGBTQ Equality