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Hate crimes bill passes Senate, waits for Obama’s signature

By Andy Birkey 22 October 2009 103 views One Comment

After a decade of efforts, the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Act passed the U.S. Senate by a vote of 68 to 29 on Thursday. Sens. Al Franken and Amy Klobuchar voted for the bill which was attached to the 2010 National Defense Authorization Act. President Obama has indicated that he will sign the bill.

LGBT groups immediately praised passage of the bill.

Jennifer Chrisler, Executive Director, Family Equality Council:

“Safety at home, at work, and in our communities is a cornerstone of happy, healthy families. LGBT families live in 99% of counties nationwide. We are neighbors, friends, loved ones, family members, workers and community members. Many of us are also parents who want more than anything to keep our children safe and to raise them in a world that finds strength in difference and celebrates diversity. Bias-motivated violence against any individual hurts our entire community. The protections and resources moved forward by Congress will ensure greater safety not just for LGBT people as individuals, but as parents and caregivers.”

Rea Carey, Executive Director, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force:

“Today’s vote marks a milestone for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans. The hate crimes bill now shifts to the president. With his signature, President Obama will usher in a new era — one in which hate-motivated violence against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people will no longer be tolerated. Our country will finally take an unequivocal stand against the bigotry that too often leads to violence against LGBT people, simply for being who they are.”

Joe Solmonese, Executive Director, Human Rights Campaign:

“We applaud the leadership of our Senate allies, particularly Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, and Senators Patrick Leahy, Carl Levin, and Susan Collins for ensuring that the hate crimes provision remained part of this authorization bill. We also recognize the tireless efforts of Senator Ted Kennedy on this issue; a hero for our entire community.”

Interfaith Alliance President, Rev. Dr. C. Welton Gaddy:

“With dramatic unanimity the sacred scriptures of diverse religious traditions vehemently condemn hate. Hate is neither a religious nor an American value. These are among the reasons why Interfaith Alliance today celebrates the passage of substantive hate crimes prevention legislation. Not only will this new law provide much-needed help for law enforcement officials and offer long-sought-for protection to vulnerable groups threatened by hate-motivated violence, it will offer a modicum of comfort to all who have lost loved ones because of hate crimes. Passage of this hate crime legislation represents a civil act consistent with the moral foundations of our nation and all of the religious traditions which are at home within it.”