President Obama signs Hate Crimes Prevention Act
UNDATED—Attacks based on sexual orientation are now covered under federal hate crime laws.
On Wednesday, President Obama signed the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Junior Hate Crimes Prevention Act.
The act adds violence based on gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability to federal laws covering hates crimes. In addition, it gives the federal government more reach over all hate crimes.
"Now you understand that we must stand against crimes that are meant not only to break bones but to break spirits. Not only to inflict harm but to instill fear," said the President.
Some conservative groups opposed the legislation, saying it creates a special class of victims. Other opponents argue it could infringe on the speech of clergy or people who oppose homosexuality.
To view the bill in full text click here: http://www.opencongress.org/bill/111-s909/text
The US Senate got so much grief over this Bill last summer they put it on hold. They knew we the people would go nuts if they passed it by itself. The only way they passed it was to tack it on to a Defense spending Bill and hope no one noticed. Please check if your Senator/Congresscritter voted for this and hold them accountable! 2010 is just around the corner!
MSgt Jim
2 weeks agoA Republican Congressman offered an amendment to this law that would prevent it being used to protect pedophiles. The amendment was voted down by the Dems. This means that a parent who loses it and attacks the animal that molested/raped/murdered their child will now be guilty of a federal "Hate Crime."
MSgt Jim
2 weeks agoMost people missed the hearings when AG Holder stated under questioning that, if someone hear a sermon against homosexuality and a year later attacked a gay man the preacher could be prosecuted under this law. Holder was then asked if a preacher who was attacked because he was a Christian by a gay man would be protected and answered "No".
MSgt Jim
2 weeks agoPerhapes the single most dangerous piece of legislation ever passed in the history of this great country. It is a direct and unmistakeable attack on our first amendment rights of freedom of speech and freedom of religion. This is an attack on what we think as well as what we do. While I would never condone assaulting anyone for any reason other than self defense, now I cannot voice my opinion without potentially being accused of a hate crime??
Fred
3 weeks agoRight Carmen. Or your preacher can be arrested for preaching against homosexuality. Its all coming, believe it or not. The idiots are taking over. Political correctness is tyranny with manners.
Rick Hall
3 weeks agoSo now, if you abuse your wife & children you won't be in as much trouble as if you beat a pedifile for abusing your child. Does that sound right?
The logic of this administration is just backwards.
Carmen
3 weeks agoPost new comment