Friday, September 28, 2007

Matthew Shepherd Act Passes Senate

The U.S. Senate has passed the Matthew Shepherd Act, the land mark legislation that adds GLBT protection to the current hate crimes law. The Democrat controlled House of Representatives passed the same bill earlier this year. In 2004, the Senate passed a similar bill, but it was stripped away in conference with the then Republican lead house.

Yesterday, the hate crimes bill was added as an amendment to a must pass pentagon spending bill. The amendment was approved by a voice vote, with no dissenting votes. The final vote for passage in the bill was 60-39.


President Bush has claimed that GLBT people do not need hate crimes protection. He has not said whether he will veto the spending bill due to this amendment.

Also, Larry Craig, America's most famous and sad closet-case, voted against the hate crimes amendment. Shameful.

No comments: